Carlos

Baerga

A DL stint is a possibility.

He could be on the DL longer than the minimum 15 days, manager Bob Brenly said.

Baerga will run again today. If all goes well, he could go out on a rehab assignment soon. Don’t, however, expect him back before the All-Star break.

Baerga said he hopes to be back right after the All-Star break.

He’ll DH one game for Tucson and return on Monday.

Baerga didn’t even take an invitation to spring training in the spring, so it seemed pretty clear that the 14-year veteran was done. Baerga hit .291/.332/.423 with 134 homers and 59 steals in 5,439 at-bats as a major leaguer. His best year was 1993, when he hit .321/.355/.486 and drove in 114 runs for the Indians.

Baerga made $1 million last season and hit .235/.309/.329 in 85 AB. If the Diamondbacks are looking for another ex-second baseman to use as a pinch-hitter, maybe they can bring in Jose Offerman to replace him.

Baerga got the start at second base in place of the struggling Junior Spivey. After a game like this, it’s safe to assume that he’ll start again tomorrow. However, he shouldn’t have any long-term fantasy value in NL-only leagues.

The first four spots on the bench will go to Gary Bennett, Terrmel Sledge, Jamey Carroll and Wil Cordero.

Unless rosters are expanded to 28 while no one is looking, Baerga is probably done. There shouldn’t be any room for him on the Washington bench.