Nats face former teammate Bernadina in Philly

PHILADELPHIA -- Former Nationals outfielder Roger Bernadina was in the starting lineup for the Phillies on Monday, hitting eighth and playing right field.

The Nationals released Bernadina on Aug. 19 to make room for outfielder David DeJesus. At the time of his release, Bernadina was hitting .178 with two home runs and six RBIs. His hitting wasn't the only thing that disappointed the Nationals. He was also known to make baserunning mistakes.

"I like him. He just didn't get much playing time early because we had a set lineup," manager Davey Johnson said. "But he should have been used to that. Early on, it looked like he was guessing for pitches because he wasn't aggressive.

"Again, all things come back to you having to stay aggressive in the box. First pitch may be the best pitch you get. They threw a lot of changeups and offspeed stuff. I think he missed a lot of fastballs, because he started getting into that guessing game."

Asked if was he surprised that the Nationals released him, Bernadina said: "You never want to get released, of course. I will say I was a little bit shocked. I wasn't performing well. … It's a business. I understand that part. I wish it had been a better ending, but I understand it's part of business.

"I think they wanted me for a long time. I wouldn't be in that organization for that long. In the end, it didn't work out like I wanted it to."

Bernadina was a popular figure with the D.C. fans and his teammates. He was lovingly known as "The Shark" because of the handful of great catches he made in the outfield.

"I love my teammates. I love the fans in D.C. I'm looking forward to going over there to see my teammates again," Bernadina said.

Bernadina has been with the Phillies for the last two weeks and his hitting didn't get any better, but he has made some nice plays in the outfield.

"Ever since I came here, they really want me. It's a new opportunity to play somewhere, play more," Bernadina said. "They have given me the chance to play. I think the teammates are great, coaches, everything is great."