Hamstring issue will send Ramos to DL

Wilson Ramos is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring problem.

The Nationals catcher injured himself legging out a double Tuesday night in San Francisco. He was removed from the game as a precaution with right hamstring tightness, and told reporters at AT&T Park today that he was heading to the DL with a hamstring issue for the third time in two seasons.

Ultimately, the Nationals opted for a DL stint because they needed two healthy catchers. Sandy Leon is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Ramos' place on the 25-man roster, with Jose Lobaton sliding into his starting role.

"I know it's hard for the manager to make that decision," Ramos said. "But you need to have two healthy catchers on the team. ... I understand that. They put me on the DL because they need to have somebody 100 percent on the bench in case Loby gets hurt or something like that."

Ramos said his hamstring problem wasn't severe, just problematic enough to land him on the disabled list.

"I feel just a little sore," he said. "That makes me feel not too bad because I know it's not hurt."

Because he has dealt with numerous hamstring issues over the past couple of seasons, Ramos said he is considering changing his workout program to focus on strengthening that area.

"Maybe I just need to work my hammies because I don't have problems with any part of my body," he said. "Just my hammies."

Ramos began the season as the team's cleanup hitter, but fractured the hamate bone in his left hand in the season opener, necessitating surgery. He is hitting .261 with one home run and 11 RBIs in 24 games.