Dukes back with Nationals

5/9/2008 6:58 PM

By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -Elijah Dukes' first spin with the Washington Nationals lasted all of one day. He was in the starting lineup on opening night when he injured his right hamstring, forcing a stint on the disabled list.

Dukes returned Friday as the Nationals made several roster moves. A pair of catchers, Paul Lo Duca (broken right hand) and Johnny Estrada (right elbow injury) were placed on the 15-day disabled list, making room for Dukes and catcher Jesus Flores.

Dukes went a combined 8-for-38 with five RBIs, seven walks and two stolen basis during rehabilitation assignments with Class A Potomac and Triple-A Columbus. He essentially returns as Washington's fourth outfielder, behind Austin Kearns, Wily Mo Pena and Lastings Milledge.

``I was feeling good down there,'' Dukes said. ``Everything was clicking. It was going well running. I had no troubles running. That was the most important thing - was to be able to run and run hard and not think about it.''

Flores' recall from Columbus was necessitated by the sudden catcher shortage. He joins Wil Nieves as the Nationals' two backstops.

Flores, a Rule 5 draftee a year ago, began the season with the Nationals before being sent to the Clippers on April 13. He hit .364 with a home run and three RBIs in four games with Washington, but he batted only .153 with nine RBIs with Columbus.

``It's hard to see the ball down there. They have a lot of problems with the lights. I'm not saying that's an excuse,'' Flores said. ``I was swinging at too many bad pitches.''

Flores did not start Friday night's game against the Florida Marlins, but is expected to get the bulk of the work. He'll be behind the plate when left-hander Mike O'Connor starts on Saturday.

``He was struggling with his batting average down there, but you know what? He's here now and his batting average here is .360,'' manager Manny Acta said.

With Flores and Nieves in Washington, the Nationals needed another catcher at Columbus, so they acquired minor leaguer David Wallace from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named.