--OF Roger Bernadina was recalled from Class AAA Syracuse on Wednesday, filling the roster spot vacated by OF Lastings Milledge, who was optioned to Syracuse on Tuesday. Bernadina, 24, struggled in a brief call-up last summer, but he's recommitted himself since and impressed team officials with his performance this spring. "He's a guy we can put in any one of those three outfield spots and be an above-average defensive player," manager Manny Acta said. "I think he's earned this."

--OF Leonard Davis cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AA Harrisburg, a move that was made to open a spot on Washington's 40-man roster. RHP Jordan Zimmermann, the organization's top prospect, is due to make his big-league debut next week. Zimmermann, though, was a non-roster invitee to spring training, so he'll need to be added to the 40-man roster before he can pitch for Washington.

--OF Josh Willingham will benefit from the demotion of OF Lastings Milledge by getting more playing time. Willingham, who has been the odd man out in the Nationals' crowded outfield, now will get some starts in both left and right fields. Though he's never played right field before, Willingham will work out there the next few days and get comfortable with the position.

MEDICAL WATCH:

SS Cristian Guzman (strained left hamstring) left the April 13 game. He said he hoped to return within a few days.

2B/OF Willie Harris (strained left oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 13. There was no timetable for his return.

2B Ronnie Belliard (sore back) left the April 8 game and did not play April 10-13. 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.

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:

LHP John Lannan

LHP Scott Olsen

RHP Daniel Cabrera

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

CATCHERS:

Jesus Flores

Josh Bard

Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS:

1B Nick Johnson

2B Anderson Hernandez

SS Cristian Guzman

3B Ryan Zimmerman

INF Ronnie Belliard

INF Alberto Gonzalez

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Adam Dunn

RF Austin Kearns

OF Elijah Dukes

OF Josh Willingham

OF Roger Bernadina