DC Metro Sports - NATIONALS PLACE CATCHERS PAUL LO DUCA AND JOHNNY ESTRADA ON DL

The Washington Nationals today placed catchers Paul Lo Duca (fracture of fourth metacarpal in right hand) and Johnny Estrada (ulnar neuritis in right elbow) on the 15-Day Disabled List and recalled catcher Jesus Flores from Columbus of the Triple-A International League, as well as recalled from rehab and reinstated outfielder Elijah Dukes from the 15-Day Disabled List. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Flores, 23, went 4-for-11 (.364) with two doubles, one homer and three RBI in four games with Washington earlier this season. In a 17-game stint with Columbus , he went 9-for-59 (.153) with nine RBI. Last season, as a Rule 5 selection from New York (NL), Flores hit .244 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 79 games with the Nationals, who went 21-21 with Flores as their starting catcher.

The 23 year-old Dukes went a combined 8-for-38 (.211) with two doubles, one triple, five RBI, seven walks and two stolen bases during a 13-game rehab stint with Columbus (seven games) and Potomac (six) of the Single-A Carolina League. Dukes was placed on the 15-Day Disabled List (right hamstring) on March 31. Dukes, who went 0-for-2 in the Nationals’ season opener on March 30, has hit 10 home runs in 53 career big league contests with Washington and Tampa Bay.

Lo Duca, 36, hit .200 (10-for-50) with three doubles and four RBI in 17 games with the Nationals before the injury.

The 31-year old Estrada is batting .179 (7-for-39) with three RBI in 17 games with Washington this season.

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