CHICAGO — The Nationals placed injured first baseman Nick Johnson on the 15-day disabled list yesterday retroactive to June27 and will purchase the contract of first baseman/outfielder Matt Cepicky from Class AAA New Orleans before today’s game against the New York Mets at RFK Stadium.
The Nationals’ first-base situation became a real concern yesterday when backup first baseman Wil Cordero had fluid drained from his left knee just before the series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Utility infielder Carlos Baerga replaced Cordero at first.
“I feel good after they drained my knee,” Cordero said. “Once the fluid is out, I’m good to go.”
The Nationals decided to let Johnson’s bruised right heel completely heal so he will be ready to come back after the All-Star break next week. The Nationals determined that Johnson, who is hitting .320 and ranks second in the National League with a .444 on-base percentage, wouldn’t be able to return to the lineup in the next few days.
Cepicky was hitting .274 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI for the Zephyrs this season. The Montreal Expos called up the 27-year-old Cepicky the past three seasons, and he hit .218 with four home runs, eight doubles and 18 RBI in 69 games.
Johnson was injured crossing home plate in the seventh inning of the Nationals’ 9-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Sunday. Johnson tried to sidestep Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun and landed awkwardly as his left foot touched the plate.
At the time, Johnson was leading the Nationals with 42 RBI. He became Washington’s second starting positional player to go on the 15-day DL in a week. Rookie outfielder Ryan Church, among the candidates for NL rookie of the year with a team-high .325 batting average, seven home runs and 28 RBI, went on the DL on Thursday. Church (collarbone) is eligible to return Thursday, and Johnson will be eligible to come off the DL next Monday, the first day of the All-Star break.
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