Injuries hamper Cordero, Young

ST. LOUIS — Chad Cordero is now on the disabled list. Dmitri Young could be joining him soon.

The Washington Nationals placed Cordero on the 15-day DL following last night’s 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, deciding the closer’s injured right shoulder wasn’t healing fast enough to justify him holding an active roster spot.

Meanwhile, Young was sent home to Washington to have his ailing lower back examined by team doctor Ben Shaffer, with a decision about the first baseman’s status to come at the end of the weekend.

Cordero had yet to appear in a game this season for the Nationals after feeling something pop in his throwing shoulder on Sunday while playing catch. He received a cortisone shot that day and was hopeful of returning to the mound this weekend, but team officials felt it wasn”t worth the risk.

We just thought it was the best for him, manager Manny Acta said. Even when he feels good, he feels a little weak. And we don’t want to rush him back.

Because the Cordero move was backdated to March 27, he’ll be eligible to come off the DL on Friday. Left-hander John Lannan was recalled from Class AAA Columbus to take his roster spot and will start tomorrow”s series finale against the Cardinals.

Young has been battling back problems since spring training, and though he made the trip to St. Louis he quickly departed yesterday after an MRI revealed inflammation in his lower back.

Acta said the team likely wouldn’t put Young on the DL yet, preferring to wait until the rest of the club returns to the District on Monday. He won’t rejoin his teammates in St. Louis for the rest of the series.

It’s only going to be a couple of days til we get home, Acta said. Hopefully by then, we’ll be able to make a decision.

Young missed significant time this spring with injuries to his lower back and side, and the problem seems to have carried over into the regular season. He admittedly reported to camp in poor shape, his weight at nearly 300 pounds, and he acknowledged he didn’t pick up a bat once over the winter. Young also has had difficulty controlling his diabetes, a battle that has contributed in part to his physical shape.

Acta wouldn’t speculate yesterday when asked whether he thought Young’s back problems were a result of conditioning or a baseball-related injury, but team officials have had concerns about the 34-year-old since the start of spring training.

Young has made only two plate appearances so far this season, both as a pinch-hitter. He roped an RBI double off the right-field wall Monday in Philadelphia and grounded out to the pitcher on Wednesday.

More parking available

The Nationals announced they will set aside a limited number of parking spaces for single-game ticket holders. To obtain parking, fans must first buy a pass online at nationals.com/waytogo. Passes cannot be bought on-site in garages or lots.

Parking for single-game ticket holders will be available in Green Lot HH, about six blocks north of the ballpark, for $15; Orange Lot W, located six blocks east on M Street NW, for $20; and the Red Zone areas immediately to the north of the ballpark, for $40.

There are only about 5,000 parking spaces in the area near the ballpark. Parking had previously only been offered to season-ticket holders, but some spots for single-game holders remained. The team last week reached an agreement to lease a Metro bus garage and lot to the north of the ballpark, which will provide about 400 additional spaces.

Lopez stays in left

Felipe Lopez made his second straight start in left field last night, and Acta said the converted infielder likely will remain there through the weekend series.

“Until he gives me other reasons,” the manager said.

Lopez, a career middle infielder who had never played an inning in the outfield as a professional until Thursday, looked comfortable catching four fly balls during his debut in Philadelphia, giving the Nationals reason to believe he can make a smooth transition.

“He looked fine yesterday going after the balls real good, I thought,” Acta said. “But it’s only one game.”

• Staff writer Tim Lemke contributed to this article from the District.