Dukes returns to Nationals in reserve role

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There was something that immediately felt strange to Elijah Dukes after completing his rehab assignment and returning to Nationals Park: After the Washington Nationals outfielder spent the last two weeks playing every day, batting leadoff and putting his strained right hamstring through any situation it would take, he's back on the bench.

The Nationals planned for Dukes to be their fourth outfielder at the beginning of the season, and even with Wily Mo Pena struggling in left field, that plan hasn't changed. Dukes was not in the lineup last night against the Marlins, and manager Manny Acta said he'll come off the bench.

"He came over here to be the fourth outfielder," Acta said. "He got an opportunity to play at the beginning of the season with Wily Mo down, and he got hurt. He would know more about that. I just have to move on and play the other guys, get the best out of the guys that are out there."

Dukes hit .238 in seven games with Class AAA Columbus, but had a .360 on-base percentage and stole two bases.

He said not playing every day will be an adjustment, but he doesn't expect to sit for long.

"They don't need to look at me for that answer. They need to look more so at the organization and just the players in front of me, not what I can do. I know what I can do on the field," Dukes said. "It ain't on me about how much I want to play and stuff. I want to play, so I'm just waiting for my chance to get out there and do what I do."

Flores starting today

Acta said catcher Jesus Flores, who was officially called up from Columbus yesterday, will start today by catching Mike O'Connor, his Clippers teammate as recently as last month.

The 23-year-old hit .153 in Columbus, but is widely viewed as the Nationals' long-term solution at catcher. With Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada on the disabled list, he will get the majority of the starts and Wil Nieves will spell him occasionally.

"He needs to play," Acta said.

Cordero healing

Closer Chad Cordero stayed back from the Nationals' road trip to Houston, working out at a rehab center in the District.

Cordero, who is expected to be out at least another month after tearing the latissimus dorsi muscle below his right shoulder blade April 29, likely will skip the team's trip to New York next week, as well.

He said the soreness in his shoulder decreases each day, and is starting to lift weights along with the cardio work he has been doing. While Cordero knows he can't try to push his way back from the injury, he's tempted to speed things up.

"I watched the first two games on TV, and it was just weird, being at home watching on TV while they're somewhere else playing," he said. "I don't like it too much, so I want to get back as soon as I can."

Nationals acquire catcher

In a trade with the Indians yesterday, the Nationals obtained minor league catcher David Wallace for a player to be named. The 28-year-old, who has never played in the majors, will join Columbus.