Johnson set to have MRI on sore wrist

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NEW YORK — The Washington Nationals, already short on offensive production, now face the possibility of losing cleanup hitter Nick Johnson for an extended period of time because of a right wrist injury.

Johnson, who hurt himself swinging at a pitch in his final at-bat Tuesday night against the New York Mets, was sent to the District yesterday and will have an MRI taken on the wrist. X-rays taken Tuesday night were negative, and Johnson initially was diagnosed with a strained tendon.

"I hope it's not anything serious," Johnson said yesterday before leaving Shea Stadium, his hand wrapped in a splint. "Today it's pretty sore. Last night, I couldn't go to sleep because it was pretty sore. Today I can't really move it that much."

Johnson managed to stay in Tuesday's game after getting hurt, but he would not have been allowed to hit if his spot in the lineup came up again.

Though his .220 batting average is well below his typical number, Johnson has been one of the Nationals' most productive offensive players. His .415 on-base percentage leads the club and his 20 RBI were tied with Ryan Zimmerman for the team lead entering last night's game.

Manager Manny Acta said Johnson is "day to day" until results of the MRI are known. Veteran Aaron Boone started in Johnson's place at first base last night and will continue to do so for the immediate future.

Despite a slow start to the season, Boone carried a .319 average, three homers and seven RBI into last night's game. A starter most of his career, the 35-year-old has gotten used to his new role off the bench.

"I just think that's getting older and learning yourself," Boone said. "I think I've learned a lot about myself as a hitter through both trials and tribulations. So I feel like I can go in and produce after having sat for a while."

Bergmann returns

Jason Bergmann returns from Class AAA Columbus to start today's series finale after three straight quality starts for the Clippers. Bergmann, who was banished to the minors after posting an 11.68 ERA in three April outings with the Nationals, impressed club officials with his ability to turn things around.

"He went deep in those games and threw the ball well those three starts," Acta said. "Hopefully he's got everything in order."

To make room for Bergmann on the roster, the Nationals optioned reliever Chris Schroder back to Columbus following last night's game, less than 72 hours after calling him up.