WASHINGTON (AP) -Outfielder Roger Bernadina was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Washington Nationals on Friday, ending a two-week experiment that saw the speedy rookie jump from Double-A to the majors.
The 24-year-old Bernadina was recalled from Harrisburg and inserted into the lineup as the starting center fielder after Lastings Milledge was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain June 28.
Bernadina hit .125 (5-for-40) and scored two runs in 10 games with the Nationals.
“We gave him the cup of coffee and got his feet wet so he could see what it is all about over here,” Washington manager Manny Acta said. “He’s going to go down there and continue shortening up his swing.”
Outfielder Ryan Langerhans’ contract was purchased from Columbus to fill the roster spot vacated by Bernadina. Langerhans, who was hitting .310 with three homers and 33 RBIs at Triple-A, was with Washington for 23 games earlier this season, where he hit .200 with three RBIs.
Bernadina looked overmatched at the plate during his stay with the Nationals and never got to display his speed. He was hitting .323 with five homers, 38 RBIs and 26 stolen bases at the time of his recall.
“They throw strikes here, a lot of off-speed, and their control is good,” said Bernadina. “I got myself out here. The swing is too long and that’s why I struggled.”
Acta and hitting coach Lenny Harris instructed Bernadina to shorten his stroke at Columbus.
“He was having a tough time at the plate here,” Acta said.
With Milledge out for the foreseeable future – he’s expected to have his groin examined during the All-Star break – Acta said he would turn to Willie Harris and Langerhans in center field. Harris started Friday’s opener of a three-game series against Houston at Nationals Park.
“It’s going to be by feel,” Acta said when asked how he planned to man center field. “It depends on the matchups and stuff. Right now, Harris has the upper hand.”
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