Benchwarmer Finds Himself Batting Fourth

MILWAUKEE, June 4 -- Robert Fick walked into the clubhouse Sunday morning, glanced over the lineup taped at his locker and took a quick step back.

"Wait," he said. "Did somebody die?"

The little-used utility player could think of no other explanation for his place in the Washington Nationals' batting order. Not only did Fick start for the first time since he joined the Nationals on May 13; he also hit in the cleanup spot.

Fick did not take advantage of the opportunity, going hitless in four at-bats including two chances with runners on base. But for Fick, who had only five at-bats entering the game, the playing time still came as a welcome surprise.

"Honestly, I'm just as shocked as everybody else, but you've got to be ready," said Fick, who played first base. "You have to show up ready to go, but I didn't know I was playing until I got here."

The Sunday lineup held other surprises, and Manager Frank Robinson said it made sense to rest several players on the day the team left for a three-game series in Atlanta.

Damian Jackson made his 13th start of the season in center field, where he replaced Marlon Byrd. Brendan Harris made his first start since being recalled from New Orleans on Saturday, filling in for Ryan Zimmerman at third base.

Before Sunday, Zimmerman had taken only one day off this season, when his grandmother died in early May. He felt some tightening in his lower back Saturday that Robinson described as a slight spasm. "It's just the bumps and bruises of playing everyday," Zimmerman said. "It's a good time to take a day off."

Said Robinson: "I just decided it was time. These guys need to play, and some other guys could use a day off. This is the day to do it."