--OF Lastings Milledge was out of the Nationals' lineup Sunday against the Braves. Manager Manny Acta said the move had more to do with an effort to get at-bats for his other outfielders, including Elijah Dukes and Josh Willingham, than a reflection of Milledge's performance through the first week of the season. That said, Milledge is struggling at the plate, with two hits in 18 at-bats and nine strikeouts already.

--2B Anderson Hernandez, out since March 25 with a strained hamstring, played seven innings for Class AAA Syracuse on Sunday. The Nationals wanted him to play nine innings on back-to-back days before activating him, but with 2B Ronnie Belliard and 2B Willie Harris also hampered by injuries, Hernandez could be activated as soon as Monday out of necessity.

--2B/OF Willie Harris came up lame out of the batter's box with a strained left oblique muscle in the third inning of Sunday's game against the Braves. Harris, pressed into action because of injuries to 2B Anderson Hernandez (strained hamstring) and 2B Ronnie Belliard (back), will be re-evaluated Monday. His status is day-to-day. For the time being, the Nationals are going with INF Alberto Gonzalez at second base.

MEDICAL WATCH:

2B/OF Willie Harris (strained left oblique muscle) was hurt in the April 12 game. He is day-to-day.

OF Elijah Dukes (right groin) was injured making a throw on the final play of the April 10 game. He didn't play April 11, but he returned to action April 12.

2B Ronnie Belliard (sore back) left the April 8 game and did not play April 10-12. He is day-to-day.

1B Dmitri Young (strained back and hip) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 1. Young, who has been working himself back into shape while trying to manage diabetes, will remain at extended spring training in Viera, Fla. The Nationals hope he'll be ready to go on a rehab assignment at some point in late April and perhaps return to the big-league roster soon after that.

2B Anderson Hernandez (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Syracuse on April 12, and he could be activated as soon as April 13.

RHP Terrell Young (inflamed right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He started a throwing program at extended spring training in early April.

LHP Matt Chico (Tommy John elbow surgery in July 2008) went on the 60-day disabled list March 28. He will miss at least the first half of the season.

ROTATION:

1. LHP John Lannan

2. LHP Scott Olsen

3. RHP Daniel Cabrera

4. RHP Shairon Martis

BULLPEN:

RHP Joel Hanrahan (closer)

LHP Joe Beimel

RHP Saul Rivera

RHP Steven Shell

RHP Julian Tavarez

RHP Mike Hinckley

LHP Wil Ledezma

LINEUP:

1. CF Lastings Milledge

2. SS Cristian Guzman

3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman

4. LF Adam Dunn

5. RF Austin Kearns

6. 1B Nick Johnson

7. C Jesus Flores

8. 2B Ronnie Belliard

RESERVES:

C Josh Bard

C Wil Nieves

OF/INF Willie Harris

OF Elijah Dukes

OF Josh Willingham

INF Alberto Gonzalez