After resting sore finger, McLouth back in lineup

PHOENIX -- Nationals outfielder Nate McLouth was in the starting lineup on Wednesday, hitting eighth against the D-backs. He is dealing with a sore right index finger. It didn't help that the scab broke while he took batting practice on Monday. McLouth was given the day off on Tuesday to allow the injury to heal.

When approached on Wednesday morning, McLouth said the finger is much better. McLouth originally hurt it making a diving catch against the Dodgers on May 5 at Nationals Park.

"I'll put a little covering on it and it should be completely healed in the next couple of days," McLouth said.

McLouth is off to a slow start, going 6-for-56 (.107) entering Wednesday's action, but he is fourth on the team in walks with 10, which is an indication that he is seeing the ball pretty well.

"I wouldn't say I have swung the bat well, but my at-bats haven't been awful," McLouth said. "I have a lot of walks. I finally [got some hits] through the hole the last couple of nights, but I'm OK."