After Washington's 3-2 victory over Florida on Friday night, center fielder Rick Ankiel was headed to the 15-day disabled list with a right wrist injury. The move is retroactive to May 3.
Nationals manager Jim Riggleman was hopeful before Friday's game he could have Ankiel back as soon as this weekend, but the results of a MRI on the outfielder's wrist changed that outloook:
"The MRI was encouraging, but he's not feeling well enough to hit," said Riggleman, who did not know who would be called up to take Ankiel's place on the roster.
Despite being mum on the roster move, Syracuse Chiefs outfielder Roger Bernadina was pulled from the lineup Friday night and is the most likely candidate to replace Ankiel on the roster. The 31-year-old Ankiel has struggled at the plate in his first year in Washington and Bernadina might have a chance to secure some legitimate big league playing time with this injury opportunity.