WASHINGTON -- Danny Espinosas .163 batting average makes a lot more sense. Hes been playing with a broken wrist. Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Friday that his second baseman has a small fracture in the right wrist and will rest a few days to see if it improves. Espinosa has been playing with discomfort since getting hit by a pitch April 14 against the Atlanta Braves. He also has a bone chip in the wrist, but the main concern is the fracture that needs time to heal. The Nationals want to avoid putting Espinosa on the disabled list, so they are hoping some rest will be enough. "Hopefully, its been able to knit somewhat and repair itself so we get by without putting him down for a long time," Johnson said. "Well know more as the next few days come along." The switch-hitting Espinosa complained to Johnson during the recent West Coast road trip that it was painful to bat right-handed. The manager said hes not upset that Espinosa didnt mention the problem sooner, noting that Espinosas tolerance for pain was shown last year when he played with a torn rotator cuff. "I like the heck out of him, but he reminds me too much of me," Johnson said. "He plays in pain." Steve Lombardozzi will take Espinosas place in the lineup. With his bench down a player, Johnson said the Nationals plan to bring up utility man Jeff Kobernus from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday and will probably designate RHP Yunesky Maya for assignment. Johnson also said Ross Detwiler will throw a full bullpen session Saturday and remains on pace to return to the rotation Tuesday after skipping one start because of back spasms. Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez will each move up a day to give Detwiller more time to return, both pitching on regular rest because of an off day in the schedule. Meanwhile, Johnson said reliever Ryan Mattheus will need "a couple of months" to recover after the right-handed reliever broke his pitching hand after punching his locker following a rough outing. Catcher Wilson Ramos, on the DL with a strained left hamstring, isnt expected back until next month, and outfielder Jayson Werth is still at least 10 days away from returning from a strained right hamstring. Bill Ranford Jersey . Spiller left Week 3s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets with a thigh injury, but fully practiced with the team all week and expects to be ready to go on Sunday. Kris Russell Jersey . Denis Coderre, the former federal MP who was elected mayor on Nov. 3, has drawn the ire of some Montreal Canadiens. During last nights game he tweeted: "Hello? Can we get a one-way ticket to (minor-league) Hamilton for David Desharnais please. http://www.hockeyoilersshop.com/kyle-brodziak-jersey/ . Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Monday that Mancini signed a three-year contract and will be paid 3.5 million euros for the upcoming season, with his salary upped to 4. Grant Fuhr Oilers Jersey . The International Olympic Committee released the official list of bid cities on Friday after the deadline for applications had passed. The candidates -- all previously announced in their own countries -- are: Almaty, Kazakhstan; Beijing; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm. Matt Benning Oilers Jersey . -- Lou Brocks shoulder-to-shoulder collision with Bill Freehan during the 1968 World Series and Pete Roses bruising hit on Ray Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game could become relics of baseball history, like the dead-ball era. TEMPE, Ariz. -- Utah has put itself on a collision course with Colorado later this month for a possible shot at the Pac-12 South title. The Utes are a game behind the 16th-ranked Buffaloes, so all they need to do is beat two teams with losing conference records to give themselves a shot.The first one, Thursday night in the desert, wont be easy.Arizona State has won just two of its four Pac-12 games, but the Sun Devils will be a tough out with all the pressure they will put on the No. 13 Utes defensively.Theyre by far the most heavily blitzed team weve faced all year, Utah quarterback Troy Williams said. Arizona State really bases their defense upon trying to pressure the quarterback. This will be a good challenge for us.Arizona State (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) does have one of the conferences most aggressive defenses, sending blitzes in from everywhere.But survive the blitz and opposing teams have found the Sun Devils vulnerable to big plays.Despite dialing back the blitzes a bit this season, Arizona State is last nationally against the pass for the second straight season, allowing 397.6 yards per game. The Sun Devils have been plagued by injuries, but also poor tackling and missed assignments, leading to 12 scoring plays of 50 yards or longer.We have to get better at what were doing, Arizona State coach Todd Graham said. Theres times when we have played very, very well. Weve had too many critical errors, thats the biggest thing.The Utes (7-2, 4-2) have not played since losing to No. 4 Washington on Oct. 29, allowing players to get rested and heal up as they attempt to win in Tempe for the first time since 1976.Utah has numerous players who could return from injuries, including center Lo Falemaka, safety Marcus Williams and receiver Cory Butler-ByrdWe got some guys rested and some players some down time, Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said. Injuury-wise, hopefully we get a few guys back.dddddddddddd few more things to look for when Utah plays at Arizona State on Thursday night:WILKINS RETURN?: Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins has worked with the first-team offense this week and is expected to return from shoulder and ankle injuries that have plagued him for a month. The sophomore adds a dynamic dimension to the Sun Devils offense, not just with his passing and knowledge of the offense, but his running ability. Arizona State has been a much better team when Wilkins has been healthy enough to run and his return will be a huge boost.UNCERTAIN PREPARATION: Arizona States string of injuries, including Wilkins, has made it tough for the Utes to prepare. The Sun Devils were missing 10 starters in their loss to Oregon last week and have played three different quarterbacks this season. Arizona State could get several players back this week, including running back Demario Richard, cornerback Kadeem Orr and safety Armand Perry. Coach has told us time and time again, we dont know whos going to be playing, which quarterbacks going to start, which backs going to start, Utah defensive tackle Pasoni Tasini said. Were going to get a lot of different looks. We dont know ... wait until game day and see what they come out with.STOPPING WILLIAMS: Utah running back Joe Williams has gone from retired to almost unstoppable. The senior retired from football on Sept. 13, but came back to the Utes after injuries devastated their running back corps. Williams has rushed for at least 170 yards the past three games, including a 172-yard performance against one of the nations top defensive teams, Washington. Stopping him will be priority No. 1 for Arizona States defense. ' ' '