--1B Nick Johnson has been bumped up to the No. 2 spot in the Nationals' lineup for the immediate future. With OF Lastings Milledge optioned to Class AAA Syracuse, SS Cristian Guzman is forced to move to the leadoff spot. Manager Manny Acta, though, likes the idea of Johnson hitting second, hoping to take advantage of the first baseman's combination of good plate discipline and occasional pop. Acta has considered using Johnson out of the two-hole before but couldn't afford to move him out of the middle of the lineup. "I always want to have a deep enough lineup that I could have Nick hit second," Acta said.
--OF Adam Dunn has agreed to play some right field when needed. Manager Manny Acta, trying to get more at-bats for OF Josh Willingham (who can only play left field), asked Dunn if he'd be willing to make a few starts in right field. Dunn, who's already spelling 1B Nick Johnson at first base once or twice a week, didn't hesitate to say yes. "Adam just continued to make me happy about being able to do whatever it takes to help us win," Acta said. "I'm thrilled that Adam is able to go first, (left), right, whatever we want, as long as he's trying to help the team win." --RHP Daniel Cabrera recorded the first successful plate appearance of his big-league career Monday, dropping a sacrifice bunt in the second inning of the Nationals' game against the Phillies. Cabrera, who spent the last six years in the American League, had been 0-for-16 with 16 strikeouts previously. He went back to his old ways his next time up Monday, swinging and missing at an offering from Phillies LHP Jamie Moyer.
BY THE NUMBERS: 10 -- Walks drawn by Adam Dunn through the season's first six games, tops in the NL.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I guarantee you we're not going to go 0-for-April." -- Manager Manny Acta, after his team began the season 0-5.
