Who will replace Span in the Nationals lineup?

The news that center fielder Denard Span has a left hip injury and will go back on the disabled list will make it difficult for him to return this season - unless the Nationals can win the National League East and play deep into October. But without their leadoff man, the scenario becomes tougher as the regular season games wind down.

The Nationals will have to make a corresponding move today to fill Span's roster spot. With first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore still a week away from returning, he is not an immediate option.

Outfielder Matt den Dekker, a left-handed bat, appears to be the most likely call.

Den Dekker is batting .265 with three homers and five RBIs in his last 10 games for Triple-A Syracuse. He hit .184 in 26 games for the Nationals earlier this season. His left-handed bat would replace the left-handed bat lost with Span out and he has had experience with the Nationals this season.

A more intriguing choice could be 24-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder Brian Goodwin. He is at Double-A Harrisburg and is also on the 40-man roster.

Goodwin has struggled to keep his batting average up, but has excellent speed and good range in the outfield. He is hitting .223 with the Senators and has 14 stolen bases.

Danny Espinosa can play outfield, as he did Thursday night after center fielder Michael A. Taylor went down with a knee injury after crashing into the wall, and Trea Turner could move to second base. That would be an intriguing mix and also keep each bat in the lineup.

"Danny, with very little experience in the outfield out there, made a couple of plays," said manager Matt Williams after Thursday's 4-2 win over the Padres.

But an even bigger problem could surface if two more starters are not available tonight. Taylor and third baseman Yunel Escobar (hand) both left Thursday's game with injuries and they are listed as day-to-day. The Nationals might have to make more than just one move today if one or both are unavailable going forward.

Second baseman Dan Uggla (back spasms) was seen in the clubhouse last night and has completed his rehab assignment at high Single-A Potomac. He is eligible to come off the DL after missing 17 games. But he is not an outfielder. If Escobar is out for any amount of time, Uggla could be a choice.

Jayson Werth moved to right field when Taylor went down to injury Thursday. He said afterwards that the Nats don't need injuries to motivate them to step it up. They have had to deal with different lineups all season. This is just another challenge.

"We're a pretty tight-knit group," Werth said. "It can, definitely (bring a team together). At this point, I don't think we need anything else in that regard. We're just going to have to keep grinding."