Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Nationals are seeking a center fielder and leadoff hitter.

The Nationals apparently aren't sold on Roger Bernadina in center field while Rick Ankiel has been unproductive. Ladson writes that the Nationals could ask for a center fielder if they decide to trade Todd Coffey or Ivan Rodriguez, though it's unlikely they'd get a player of much substance in return. They would likely have to overpay to acquire a difference-maker, something Ladson writes the Nationals are willing to do. Though talks went nowhere, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that the Nationals recently asked the Astros about the availability of Michael Bourn.

Nationals recalled OF Roger Bernadina from Triple-A Syracuse.

Bernadina nearly made the Nationals' roster out of spring training and should get a few looks now that he's finally up. The 26-year-old was 12-for-45 at Triple-A Syracuse.

Roger Bernadina made his season debut for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a homer and a steal in a doubleheader.

Bernadina had been away from the team on a family matter since the minor league season began. That may well have cost him a callup when Ryan Zimmerman went down earlier this week. He might be brought up once he collects some more at-bats.

The Nationals aren't expected to call up Roger Bernadina when Ryan Zimmerman is placed on the disabled list.

Bernadina has been away from Triple-A Syracuse due to a family matter, so they will likely want someone who has played a game recently. First baseman Chris Marrero and utility man Brian Bixler are two possibilities.

Roger Bernadina and Rick Ankiel both homered as the Nationals defeated the Marlins 8-4 on Wednesday.

Those two are competing with Mike Morse for playing time in left field. Bernadina, who hit a three-run shot off Josh Johnson, is 4-for-6 this spring. He's the better defender than Morse, helping his case for the left-field job. However, if the Nationals really want to play him, they should consider starting him in center and benching Nyjer Morgan.

Roger Bernadina said he packed on 10 pounds of muscle during the offseason.

And judging by the early pictures from camp, he may be selling himself short. Bernadina said his workouts were motivated by his drop in production at the end of last season. "In August, I was fine," Bernadina said. "In September, I ran out of gas a little bit. It's that mental grind. For next time, I'll know it. It is definitely a long season. But it's no excuse. What happened, I can only learn from it." The 26-year-old outfielder is expected will compete with Rick Ankiel and Michael Morse for the starting job in left field this spring.

With Jayson Werth set to start in right field, Roger Bernadina will get a chance to compete with Nyjer Morgan for playing time in center, GM Mike Rizzo said.

Bernadina had some success last season, but he's a fourth outfielder at best and he was never truly a legitimate candidate to enter 2011 as the Nationals' right fielder. He'll likely make the team as a backup to Morgan and Josh Willingham in left.