Young to start rehab assignment

WASHINGTON (AP) -Out since early April with a sprained lower back, Dmitri Young is ready to begin a rehab assignment.

"He'll go to (Double-A) Harrisburg on Tuesday. We'll play him at first base, and then his performance will dictate how quickly he'll get back up," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said. "He's doing extremely well."

Young, who signed a minor league deal in 2007 after a troubled past, led the Nationals with a .320 batting average with 13 home runs and 74 RBIs. He was needed at first base a year ago when Nick Johnson's broken leg kept him sidelined all season.

Now, Johnson is healthy - and Young is not.

Young signed a two-year, $10 million extension last year, and he and Johnson battled in spring training for the first base job. Johnson won the job, and entered Saturday's game batting .228 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

Young has batted just twice before being placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 8, retroactive to April 3, and was 1-for-2.

Young reported to extended spring training in Viera, Fla., earlier this week, but hasn't played in a game.

"He's been fielding ground balls at first. He's been swinging and hitting," Bowden said. "He's ready to go."

Young's back has improved thanks to massage therapy, but Bowden said he wasn't ready to predict a date for Young's return - nor a role for him.

"We have a lot of DH games (against American League teams) in June. He's capable of doing that," Bowden said.

"He certainly can give Nick a rest," he said. "He can play against certain left-handed pitchers and he can be a phenomenal bat off the bench. He adds a lot of character, too."