By Barry Svrluga
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, August 28, 2006

ATLANTA, Aug. 27 -- Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson spent Sunday shaking off the aftereffects of Saturday's collision with Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur, and he didn't play in the Nationals' 13-6 loss to the Braves.

"I feel better," Johnson said. "Still sore, but the headache is very little."

General Manager Jim Bowden said Johnson should return to the lineup Tuesday, and that no further tests are needed to determine whether he had a concussion after his run-in with Francoeur, a play on which Johnson was fielding a popup and Francoeur was running with his head down.

But each game that Johnson misses the rest of the way could be costly -- not for the team, but for Johnson personally. Though he signed a three-year, $16.5 million extension in spring training, that contract covers 2007-09. Johnson's 2006 contract was a one-year, $3.2 million deal signed in January -- a contract that helped the two sides avoid arbitration -- and includes $250,000 in incentives based on how much Johnson plays.

Johnson has played in 123 games and made 525 plate appearances, already earning one bonus of $50,000 (130 games or 510 plate appearances). He can earn $50,000 more for each of four more steps -- 135 games or 530 plate appearances, 140 games or 550 plate appearances, 145 games or 570 plate appearances, and 150 games or 590 plate appearances.

Johnson spent time on the disabled list in each of his first five major league season and had never played more than 131 games or had more than 547 plate appearances. At his current pace, Johnson -- hitting .286 with 19 homers and 64 RBI -- would play in 153 games and have 654 plate appearances, earning all the bonuses.

Center fielder Ryan Church, who will get the bulk of playing time the rest of the year after Alex Escobar dislocated his right shoulder Friday, will play winter ball in Mexico, Bowden said. The suggestion was made because Mexican league pitchers have a reputation for throwing lots of breaking pitches, which Church needs to learn how to hit more consistently.

"I'm looking forward to it," Church said. . . .

Rosters can expand to as many as 40 on Friday, but the Nationals likely will bring up only four or five players -- and perhaps not all at once. Left-hander Mike O'Connor, rehabilitating an elbow injury at Class AAA New Orleans, is likely to pitch Sept. 2 for Washington. The minor league seasons end Sept. 4, and more players could come thereafter. Other candidates include right-handers Beltran Perez and Chris Booker. Team officials said it's unlikely outfielder Marlon Byrd will be recalled, as he is not in the plans for next season. . . .

Closer Chad Cordero threw one mop-up inning Sunday, allowing a solo homer to Andruw Jones two days after he was unable to come on in a save situation because of an ingrown toenail. Cordero said he twice stubbed his toe while making pitches Sunday, but that he generally felt better. Most of the rest of the toenail will be removed Monday.