Brett

Carroll

With Michael Morse set to go on the DL, the Nats could keep Carroll as a part-time outfielder. Unlike Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina, he’s a right-handed hitter, so he could start in center field against lefties.

Carroll snagged a roster spot, despite batting just .206 (13-for-63) this spring. He’ll likely split at-bats with Roger Bernadina in center fielder initially, but could be the odd man out when Rick Ankiel (hamstring) is ready to come off the disabled list.

He was cleared to make room for Rick Ankiel’s return from the disabled list. Carroll, who made the Nats out of spring training, was 0-for-2 in five games with the club.

Tracy signed a minor league contract with the Nats in December after spending the 2011 campaign in Japan. He batted just .250 (17-for-68) this spring, but injuries to Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel have opened a few spots on the Washington bench. Steve Lombardozzi, Brett Carroll and Xavier Nady have also made it.

Carroll cleared waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this month. He has accepted the minor league assignment and will serve as depth for the outfield.

The Nationals are looking to build a more productive bench in 2012. “I’m impressed with Carroll, who has opened my eyes,” Johnson said. “Ankiel has looked very good this spring with his adjustments.’' Both Carroll and Ankiel signed minor league contracts this offseason and are capable of playing all three outfield positions.

No word yet on the reason for the late change. Brett Carroll will make the start in right field while Eury Perez will start in center.

He’ll likely receive an invite to spring training. Carroll, 28, appeared in two games with the Brewers this season and has a .203/.281/.322 career batting line over 322 major-league plate appearances. Look for him to function as organizational depth.

Carroll, 30, has received just five at-bats in the majors over the last two years. He should be able to net a minor league invite with someone, though.

The Marlins are clearly starting to lose patience with Maybin, who has a .304 on-percentage and a 36/9 K/BB ratio in 105 at-bats this season. In turn, Chris Coghlan will return to his familiar leadoff spot on Thursday. Cody Ross will start in place of Maybin in center field, while Brett Carroll will play right.