Good, Bad & Ugly: Livan Shuts Down Nationals, 6-1

"I look beyond the contract and look at the execution and performance of the player, and it wasn't up to par. I was tired of watching him." —Mike Rizzo, on released pitcher Daniel Cabrera, May 26, 2009.

THE REUSLT:  Livan Hernandez threw a complete game, leading the New York Mets over the Washington Nationals, 6-1 before 39,376 at Citi Field.

The Nats managed nine hits and a walk off Hernandez (4-1, 4.28 ERA), but could not group enough together to push across any runs. The only Nats score was an Adam Dunn solo home run. Dunn added a single for his 1000th career hit.

Washington falls to 13-32 for the season.

Craig Stammen (0-1, 5.56 ERA) made his second start for Washington. He wasn't quite as impressive as his debut, he kept his team in the ball game, allowing just three runs in five innings.

Jason Bergmann allowed a three-run home run by Gary Sheffield, the veteran outfielder's second three-run shot in as many games.

After the game, pitcher Daniel Cabrera was designated for assignment. The Nats have 10 days to trade or release the enigmatic hurler.

Cabrera (0-5, 5.85, 35 BBs, 16 Ks in 40 IP) indicated after the decision that he would not accept a demotion to the Minors, and would opt for free agency if the Nats could not work out a deal to send him elsewhere.

THE TAKEAWAY:  The Cabrera move was a long time coming. Those of you that had May 26 in the poll can collect your winnings.

By cutting Cabrera, the Nats will eat the remainder of his $2.6 million contract, but it's not about the money anymore.

GM Mike Rizzo sees the young pitching talent the Nats have and knows there's no room for the momentum-sucking Cabrera on the squad.

As brutal as he was as a starter, Cabrera would be double that in the pen, and they don't need any more negativity out there.  It seems they might have taken a collective turn for the better.

THE GOOD:  Adam Dunn continues his good work at the plate, going two-for-four with a homer and a walk.

THE BAD:  Nick Johnson is zero-for-four, with four left on base—rough night for Nick, amid all the trade talk.

THE UGLY:  Jason Bergmann got through his first inning unscathed, going 1-2-3. But then he couldn't get an out in his second inning of work. Single, single, homer, hit batter.

NEXT GAME:  The Nats close out a three-game series with the Mets. Jordan Zimmermann (2-1, 5.71) faces Johan Santana (6-2, 1.50). Reverse lock, anyone?

NOTES:  Ryan Zimmerman's consecutive on-base streak ended at 43 games. Zimm went zero-for-four with two Ks.