Although Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon had to bat leadoff Sunday at St. Louis in place of the injured Denard Span, he's found a home in the Washington lineup batting second.
In 45 games hitting second, Rendon is batting .269 with a .440 slugging percentage, .773 OPS, three triples, six home runs, seven doubles, 21 RBI and 35 runs.
"I think he's pretty good where he's at," Washington manager Matt Williams said. "He sees a lot of pitches, which contributes to his on-base percentage. He's got the ability to hit the other way, he handles the bat well, he's pretty suited for No. 2. He could lead off if we needed him to lead off. He could probably hit five or six and drive runs in as well, we've seen him do that as well. But I think right now he's a pretty good two-hole hitter.
"He's still pretty young -- last year was his first year, it's not like he's been around 10, but he's handled it fine. He stays on pitches, he hits the breaking ball well, he hits the ball to right field and will move a runner when we need to move a runner, he handles the bat. So it's a pretty good spot for him."