WASHINGTON -- Infielder Charlie Culberson arrived at the ballpark on Wednesday after being recalled from Triple-A, and it didn't take long for him to make his presence felt.
Culberson got the start at shortstop against the Nationals and slapped an RBI single in the second inning, plating the Dodgers' only run in an 8-1 loss.
Facing Gio Gonzalez with two men on, Culberson worked a 2-1 count, then singled sharply to right field.
"I got in a good hitter's count, got a good pitch to hit, and I barreled it up," Culberson said. "I'll take that any day, especially my first at-bat back."
Culberson was called up to take the roster spot of reliever Chris Hatcher, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique. And with starting shortstop Corey Seager battling a stomach bug, the 27-year-old journeyman got a chance to play.
After making the Dodgers' Opening Day roster, Culberson got 28 plate appearances in the Majors, batting .259/.286/.333, before being sent down in mid-May.
This stint in the big leagues might not last as long as that one did. The Dodgers will send someone down on Thursday when they officially recall pitcher Julio Urías, and with Seager due back on Thursday or Friday, Culberson could quickly find himself back in Triple-A.
Nonetheless, he said he felt relaxed on Wednesday.
"I know I'm here for at least one day, and I was in the starting lineup, so I can't really worry about too much else besides that," he said. "I just prepare for the game, get ready and see what happens. That's all I can do."