DeRosa to see less time in outfield

With Michael Morse out of the lineup, Davey Johnson hasn't been happy with how he's used his outfielders this season. Against right-handers, Johnson's gone with a rotation of Xavier Nady, Mark DeRosa and Roger Bernadina in left field. But that's going to change. Johnson said today that DeRosa is going to see less time in the outfield as he looks to develop more consistency in his lineups. "I've kind of been wishy-washy in using the three of them in the outfield," Johnson said. "And I was uncomfortable with that. And I'm sure if I'm uncomfortable with it, they're uncomfortable with it." Johnson had a talk with DeRosa and Nady and cleared the air on how exactly he plans on using them. The Nationals skipper said he will rotate Nady and Bernadina in left field against right-handed pitchers, and will use Nady and DeRosa at the corner outfield spots, with Jayson Werth moving over to center. For now, at least, that means DeRosa will get bumped out of some playing time in the outfield. "I want to simplify the equation," Johnson said. "Three variables in the equation is harder than two. I'm going to simplify it and make it easier for the guys." While DeRosa has really struggled so far this season, hitting just .077 (2-for-26), Johnson said multiple times that he's not concerned with the way the 37-year-old has performed because he knows what the veteran can bring to the table. More than anything else, Johnson is happy that DeRosa is finally healthy after battling wrist injuries the last few seasons. "He's doing all the work and he looks great," Johnson said. "We just started. There will be plenty of spots, key spots, for him to help us win ballgames. But he's the least of our worries. I know what he can do."