Nationals second baseman Anderson Hernandez will start the 2009 season on the disabled list, retroactive to March 27, because of a strained left hamstring.
Hernandez was able to take groundballs at Space Coast Stadium on Wednesday morning, but he still felt tightness in the leg. He will stay in Viera, Fla., to rehab the hamstring.
Hernandez strained his left hamstring running to first base in the sixth inning against the Braves last Wednesday. About two minutes later, he had to be helped off the field. Manager Manny Acta said the injury could have been more serious if Hernandez continued to use the leg after feeling the initial pain, but the second baseman was seen hopping on his right leg.
With Anderson going on the DL, it means Ronnie Belliard will be the starting second baseman against the Marlins on April 6. Alberto Gonzalez will also make the team as a backup infielder.
The Nationals are still planning to carry an extra position player because they are carrying only four starting pitchers. The team could carry three catchers or another infielder such as Kory Casto or Alex Cintron.
