--3B Ryan Zimmerman has agreed to a five-year contract with the Nationals, numerous media outlets reported Sunday. Zimmerman, who is hitting .275 with two homers and 10 RBIs this season, has been marketed as the team's franchise player for much of his career, and Washington has been working with agent Brodie Van Wagenen on a deal that would buy out the 24-year-old's first few years of free agency. A news conference will be held Monday to announce the deal.

--OF Justin Maxwell was recalled from Class AAA Syracuse (N.Y.) on Saturday night to replace Roger Bernadina, who will be out at least two months after having ankle surgery Saturday night. Maxwell hit .269 with two homers and five RBIs in 15 games during a September 2007 call-up, but he was sidetracked by injuries most of last season. "It's not a matter of readiness, it's just a matter of opportunity," Maxwell said. "I'm not going to be as nervous as I was the first time."

--C Josh Bard was optioned to Class AAA Syracuse (N.Y.) after Sunday's loss to the Marlins, heading to the minors to make way for the debut of starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann. The Nationals had been keeping three catchers, and Bard said he lost out to Wil Nieves for the backup job in part because he had an option year left. "I'm definitely disappointed, but I understand they have to make a move," Bard said. "There's options involved. I have one, and other guys didn't."

MEDICAL WATCH:

SS Cristian Guzman (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 14.

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

OF Roger Bernadina (broken right ankle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 19. He had surgery April 18, and he will miss a minimum of two months before beginning a rehab assignment.

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

RHP Jordan Zimmermann

BULLPEN:

RHP Joel Hanrahan (closer)

LHP Joe Beimel

RHP Julian Tavarez

RHP Mike Hinckley

RHP Garrett Mock

RHP Jason Bergmann

RHP Kip Wells

CATCHERS:

Jesus Flores

Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS:

1B Nick Johnson

2B Anderson Hernandez

SS Alberto Gonzalez

3B Ryan Zimmerman

INF Ronnie Belliard

INF Alex Cintron

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Adam Dunn

CF Elijah Dukes

RF Austin Kearns

OF Josh Willingham

OF Justin Maxwell