--1B Nick Johnson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, an injury that will sideline him four to six weeks. Johnson, who hurt himself swinging in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game against the Mets, has been one of Washington's most productive offensive players, with a .415 on-base percentage, five homers and 20 RBIs through the season's first 40 games. Since reaching the major leagues in 2001, he has never made it through a season without spending time on the DL. 1B Dmitri Young will be activated off the 15-day DL and will take over as Washington's regular first baseman. Young has been out since April 2 with a sprained lower back.

--RHP Jason Bergmann made a strong return to the Nationals rotation Thursday, tossing seven scoreless innings to beat the Mets. Bergmann, who was sent to Class AAA Columbus (Ohio) on April 12 after posting an 11.68 ERA in Washington, said he benefited from work with Clippers pitching coach Steve McCatty, who noted the right-hander wasn't using his lower body enough. Bergmann made three consecutive strong starts for Columbus, earning a promotion back to the big leagues. "It's something to work off of," he said. "If I can keep doing this instead of the old way, this will be a lot more effective."

--OF Lastings Milledge was back in center field Thursday after getting the previous day off. Manager Manny Acta said the club is trying to rotate Milledge, OF Elijah Dukes and OF Wily Mo Pena among left and center fields, getting a better idea which of the three young players is ready to help the team now. "What we're trying to do is get enough at-bats for Dukes to find out what he can do for us," Acta said. "That's all I'm trying to do: get him at-bats. I'm trying to put people in situations where they can have success, because right now we're searching for some offense."

--RHP Jon Rauch has quietly performed well since taking over closing duties with RHP Chad Cordero on the disabled list. Rauch recorded his ninth save in 11 chances Thursday, preserving the Nationals' 1-0 lead over the Mets. His ERA is down to 2.61, and he's walked only three batters in 20 2/3 innings this season.

--The Nationals announced the signings of three teenage infielders from the Dominican Republic: 16-year-old Elvin Cuello and 18-year-olds Joseph Cabrella and Alex Romero. Scouting director Dana Brown said all three could become "impact players," especially Cuello, a switch-hitting middle infielder.

BY THE NUMBERS
1-8 -- Washington's record against the Marlins this season. The team is 14-15 against all of its other opponents.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I could point out 50 different things why I can be positive about (the season so far). Last year, when we had 25 losses, we only had nine wins. We haven't even lost 25 yet and we've got 15 wins. I have different things where I can point positive stuff at it." -- Manager Manny Acta, on the Nationals' early struggles.

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