NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Bernadina Still Adjusting to Major Leagues
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Saturday, July 5, 2008
CINCINNATI, July 4 -- Center fielder Roger Bernadina has played in five major league games, just long enough to achieve one milestone (his first hit), make one eye-popping diving catch (Wednesday against the Florida Marlins) and confront his first significant challenge: After getting a hit last Sunday in his first at-bat, Bernadina -- promoted from Class AA Harrisburg because of Lastings Milledge's groin injury -- has gone 1 for 22.
Bernadina, given the day off Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, knows his survival at this level depends on adjustment. In Class AA, he said, he never faced so many off-speed pitches -- especially batting leadoff. "But here," he said, "pitchers can control it so good."
In recent days, Bernadina has heard all sorts of advice. He needs to relax, some have told him. He is worked with hitting coach Lenny Harris to shorten his swing.
"He's a kid who came from Class AA. That's a big jump," Manager Manny Acta said. "We're just taking a look at him. We're not going to make an assessment in just four or five games."
Zimmerman Moves Forward
Ryan Zimmerman met on Thursday with Tim Kremchek, the orthopedist who has overseen his rehabilitation from a small labral tear in his left shoulder. After the quick evaluation, Zimmerman got the green light to continue his strength-building program. The shoulder, Zimmerman said, "looked strong."
General Manager Jim Bowden said Friday that Zimmerman, on any swing, could suffer the setback that ends his season. "If at some point he goes 'Ouch' and can't do this, we're going to know it didn't work," Bowden said.
Still, that Zimmerman can entertain such a risk is a welcome sign. He took the day off on Friday but plans to take some soft toss Saturday, and said he hopes to move on to batting practice "maybe in the next three or four days."
If all goes well, Zimmerman will return to the lineup in late July or early August. . . .
Chad Cordero will have surgery on his torn right labrum early next week in Los Angeles. Tuesday is the likely date.
