Brian

Schneider

Schneider struck out swinging and doubled.

Michael Barrett is out with a hip flexor and broken finger, and Edwards Guzman will fill in on rare occasions. The Expos will add another catcher Sept. 1. Schneider’s no prize, but his 732 OPS and everyday status make him a respectable NL-only catcher.

He’s day-to-day.

He felt he could play, but understood why they kept him out of the lineup. ''They don’t want me to play today, that’s okay,’' he said. ''I’m fine with that. I’m not mad or anything like that. . . . I think they’re looking out for me, which I appreciate.’' It sounds like he shouldn’t miss any more time.

Schneider said he was ready to go on Sunday, but the team held him out an extra game just to make sure. He should be fine.

Robert Fick replaced him. Schneider is day-to-day.

We’re guessing it’s an injury, not a trade. There aren’t any contenders looking for starting catchers, and despite his disappointing season, the Nationals still see Schneider as part of their future.

Schneider left Sunday’s game because of a strained lower back. Robert Fick started in his place tonight.

Schneider went hitless in his other three at-bats and he’s now just 7-for-27 in eight games since returning from a hamstring injury, but he was still the hero tonight. The blast made a winner out of 2004 first-rounder Bill Bray, who retired one batter in his major league debut tonight, and allowed Chad Cordero to pick up his ninth save of the season.

Schneider is expected to miss Wednesday’s game too. The Nationals hope he is healthy enough to return on Friday. Brandon Harper will start while he is out.