Washington Nationals center fielder Rick Ankiel sprained his wrist last Monday night while attempting a diving catch, and hasn't played since. The Nationals were hoping he wouldn't have to go on the DL, but five days later they've stopped hoping. Adam Kilgore (via the Washington Post):
Nats’ Center Fielder Rick Ankiel Hits DL With Wrist Injury
Ankiel, who is hitting .221 with a .302 on-base percentage and a .288 slugging percentage, received an MRI on his wrist Friday afternoon. The results came back negative, but he has not been able to take batting practice since hurting his wrist and the Nationals could not wait any longer for him to heal.
With the DL stint retroactive to May 4, Ankiel's eligible for activation on the 19th. Meanwhile, the Nationals have recalled Roger Bernadina from triple-A Syracuse. Jerry Hairston's been playing center field in Ankiel's absence, but Hairston's been hitting even worse than Ankiel and Bernadina -- playing decently with Syracuse -- should get at least a few chances to suggest he's actually the club's best option in center field, and is starting against the Marlins Saturday night.
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