Hernandez, who strained his left hamstring Wednesday night while running out a grounder, was walking around Space Coast Stadium on Friday without too much trouble. He may be cleared to resume jogging as soon as Monday.

Manager Manny Acta said the second baseman could be ready to return in time for Opening Day.

"We don't have a specific date when he's going to be ready, but we are anticipating that it's going to take less than what we thought at the beginning," Acta said. "He was walking today, and the evaluation was a lot better. On Monday, there is a chance he'll walk, jog, do some type of drills. Then we'll have a better assessment."

If Hernandez has to open the season on the disabled list, veterans Ronnie Belliard and Willie Harris would likely split playing time at second base. That would also open up a roster spot for another infielder - perhaps Alberto Gonzalez, who is enjoying a strong spring and dazzled Friday against the New York Mets.

Gonzalez made two spectacular plays at shortstop, including a bare-hand grab of Jose Reyes' bouncer. He also tripled off Mets ace Johan Santana.

"We knew from last year that he can flat-out play shortstop," Acta said. "He's a defensively ready shortstop for the major league level. And since he's gotten over here, he has swung the bat well."

Mets 4, Nationals 1

Washington ace John Lannan looked solid in his next-to-last start before Opening Day, but Lannan had nothing on New York ace Johan Santana, who looked ready for October.

Lannan allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings, most of the damage coming during a ragged second. He emerged satisfied with his outing.

"It's the best I've felt all spring," he said.

Santana felt even better, allowing one run and four hits in seven innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner retired the last 10 men he faced and threw 61 of 75 pitches for strikes.

TEMPERATURE CHECK

John Lannan

Gave up first earned runs of spring but still looked sharp

Johan Santana

Mets ace dominated for seven innings

Jesus Flores

Catcher slated to return to the lineup Saturday