Worth noting

• Nationals outfielder Roger Bernadina was 1-for-4 with an RBI as the Netherlands defeated Australia, 4-1, in the first round of World Baseball Classic pool play late Monday night ET. As the pool's runner-up, the Netherlands advances to the second round of play in Tokyo.

Bernadina played center field and batted third. He is 2-for-13 in the event with a double, a run and three RBIs.

Nationals Minor Leaguer Randolph Oduber played left field and hit ninth, going 0-for-3 with a walk in his first game action of the tournament.

• Johnson said he was pleased with the report he got from Chris Young's outing yesterday, when Young pitched in a Minor League intrasquad game on the Nationals' off-day.

Young allowed two unearned runs in two innings, striking out one and walking none. He threw 41 pitches (26 strikes).

"He's moving along," Johnson said. "He's not where he wants to be, but he's right on schedule to be ready when the bell rings. I'm not at all concerned about him. He knows what he has to do."

Young is expected to start next Saturday against the Marlins, taking Ross Detwiler's spot in the rotation as Detwiler plays for Team USA in the Classic.

• Henry Rodriguez was scheduled to throw a live bating-practice session on Tuesday morning, and likely make his first game appearance on Friday.

"He's recovery from that elbow surgery where they took a chip out, so I'll go slow with him in bringing him back," Johnson said. "The first couple outings are probably going to be portions of an inning."

• The Nationals re-assigned left-hander Matt Purke to Minor League camp on Tuesday. Johnson said Purke, recovering from summer shoulder surgery, has been throwing bullpen sessions at about 50 percent, and could be ready to pitch in games by May.

"His rehab's coming along great," Johnson said. "But he's not going to be ready to work here, so we're going to send him over there to continue. He's doing great. Should be back here soon."