Roger

Bernadina

Bernadina is 6-for-32 with one RBI as he attempts to win a job as the Nationals’ center fielder. On the plus side, he has walked five times. On the minus side, he’s 0-for-2 stealing bases. The Nationals will probably carry him, but in reality, he’s just a fifth outfielder.

Bernadina is running away with the open outfield job as the Nats adjust to life without Jayson Werth (wrist). He’s started four straight games, going 6-for-17 with two homers, five RBI and two steals during that span. There’s some power/speed upside here.

Ankiel slugged a solo shot off Dillon Gee in the second and worked out a walk against prospect right-hander Matt Harvey in the fourth. The non-roster invitee will likely end up on the Opening Day roster if the Nats go the conservative route and put Bryce Harper in the minors to begin the season.

With Rick Ankiel (quad) heading to the disabled list, Bernadina is currently projected to open the regular season as the Nationals’ starting center fielder. Washington may need to make another set of plans.

Bernadina suffered the bruise Monday while sliding into second base. It sounds like he should be fine to start in center field on Opening Day (Thursday) in Chicago.

Tough news for the Nationals, who were hoping to have Morse in the starting lineup for Thursday’s home opener against the Reds. Now it’s looking like the 30-year-old slugger could be sidelined until mid-to-late June. Mark DeRosa, Xavier Nady and Roger Bernadina will continue sharing playing time in left field for Washington.

Another new spot in the order for Harper, who has batted second, third and seventh since being called up from the minors nearly two weeks ago. Roger Bernadina will slide into the No. 2 spot Thursday while the struggling Danny Espinosa bats sixth.

Bernadina is being given the chance to claim the starting job in left field, and hasn’t disappointed thus far. His first inning homer off of Mike Leake was his second on the season, and he also picked up his third stolen base of the year later in the game. As long as he’s going to be receiving regular playing time, he’s well worth a look in most leagues.

Bernadina has been given numerous opportunities in the past, but he owns a lousy .238/.304/.362 batting in the big leagues. We’re not optimistic about his chances for a sudden breakthrough, but his modest power-speed combo makes him worth owning in NL-only leagues for now. Xavier Nady, Tyler Moore, Chad Tracy and Steve Lombardozzi could also get looks in left field while Michael Morse (lat) remains on the shelf.

Bernadina and Nady had been splitting time in left with Mark DeRosa as well, but Johnson wants to simplify things and define each player’s role. Bernadina stands to benefit the most from this new alignment, as he’ll likely play every day against right handed pitching.