Storen not concerned after hand surgery (with split-squad lineups)

VIERA, Fla. - Drew Storen underwent a 20-minute procedure yesterday to remove the hook of hamate bone in his left hand. The Nationals closer said the injury to his non-throwing hand happened when the knob of the bat dug into his hand awkwardly during a hitting drill at the Space Coast Stadium training complex earlier in the week.

"I gave it a couple days just to see how it felt since it's not something I really use," said Storen. "But I was like, 'You know what? I'm in pain, might as well get it fixed.' That way it's healing pain instead of just pain. It's not something I really need, so it'll be easy."

Storen actually made his first appearance of the exhibition season after the injury occurred. He gave up one run on two hits in an inning of work in Wednesday's win over the Tigers.

"It was fine. It didn't affect my stuff," he said. "When it comes down to defending myself on a comebacker or a tag play or something, I didn't want to risk doing more damage. There's really no need to be a hero when it's such a quick turnaround."

Manager Matt Williams said Storen will rest for two to three days before resuming full throwing, while having somebody catch for him until the wound is healed.

"Thank god I'm not a hitter," said Storen. "Even if I was a starter, it would be a different story, probably be a little more significant."

The Nationals have a pair of split-squad games today. The starters, or those not injured, will take on the Marlins in Viera, while most of the players battling for spots will head to Port St. Lucie to face the Mets. Gio Gonzalez starts against Miami, while Tanner Roark goes against New York. Both starters are expected to throw three innings or around 50 pitches.

The Nationals optioned infielder/outfielder Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday morning. Kobernus, 26, made his major league debut with the Nats in 2013 and has hit .139 over 28 games the past two seasons. He returns to Syracuse, where he batted .257 with two home runs and 23 RBIs in 59 games last year. He was 2-for-13 in eight exhibition games this spring.

Also, right-hander Erik Davis remains on the major league camp roster, but will continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery in minor league camp.

Here are lineups for today's home game:

For the Marlins:

SS Adeiny Hechavarria
LF Christian Yelich
CF Marcell Ozuna
1B Jeff Baker
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B Donovan Solano
3B Derek Dietrich
RF Cole Gillespie
DH Jordany Valdespin
RHP David Phelps

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
SS Ian Desmond
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
DH Wilson Ramos
LF Tyler Moore
C Jose Lobaton
3B Kevin Frandsen
2B Danny Espinosa
RHP Gio Gonzalez

And here are the lineups for the game in Port St. Lucie:

For the Nationals:

DH Nate McLouth
SS Emmanuel Burriss
1B Kila Ka'aihue
2B Dan Uggla
3B Ian Stewart
RF Clint Robinson
LF Tony Gwynn Jr.
C Sandy Leon
CF Derrick Robinson
RHP Tanner Roark

For the Mets:

RF Curtis Granderson
3B David Wright
2B Daniel Murphy
DH Lucas Duda
LF Michael Cuddyer
1B Brandon Allen
CF Juan Lagares
C Johnny Monell
SS Ruben Tejada
RHP Tyler Pill