In left field, job remains wide open

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PHILADELPHIA -- The Washington Nationals' left field job is open again, and Robert Fick hopes to take it.

Fick, a veteran utilityman, started as the Nationals' left fielder last night for the second time in three games.

In his second season with the Nationals, Fick has been used primarily as a bench player. The 33-year-old sees this an opportunity to become an everyday player again.

"Yeah, at least on a platoon basis, or whatever it turns out to be," said Fick, who batted seventh and entered last night's game hitting .158 with two RBI. "I know I'm a bench player on this team. I'm not going to get too far ahead of myself, but I sure would like to play there a lot."

Manager Manny Acta has started Chris Snelling (nine games), Kory Casto (six games), Michael Restovich (three games), and Ryan Church (one game) in left field this season.

Casto has been sent down to Class AAA Columbus to play regularly and learn the position.

Snelling, meanwhile, has watched his batting average drop to .233 and is hitting just .200 with runners in scoring position.

Acta said he started Fick against Phillies right-hander Jon Lieber last night because Fick is 4-for-13 lifetime against him.

"It's a good matchup with Lieber," Acta said. "We're still searching over there."

Fick, an American League All-Star in 2002, said he hopes a few starts turns into more.