Rick Ankiel (quad) went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and a walk Thursday in his first minor league rehab game with Double-A Harrisburg. Ankiel was initially scheduled to play center field in the game, but was moved to DH to allow Mike Morse to play in the outfield. He's still expected to be activated for the Nationals' home opener on April 12.

Rick Ankiel (quad) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Harrisburg. Ankiel hit the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a quad injury, but the move was made retroactive to March 28 and he's expected to be activated for the Nationals' home opener on April 12. The 32-year-old will serve as Washington's starting center fielder this season.

Rick Ankiel will be placed on the disabled list before Opening Day because of a quad injury. Michael Morse is also going to open the year on the 15-day DL. But the Nationals are hoping that both players will be ready in time for their home opener (on April 12).

Nationals purchased the contract of OF Rick Ankiel from Triple-A Syracuse. Ankiel was always going to make the team and has now officially been added to the roster. He might need a DL stint to start the season, though, as he can't seem to get over a nagging quad injury.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson admitted to being "a little concerned" about whether Rick Ankiel (quad) will be ready in time for Opening Day. The Nats have been downplaying Ankiel's sore left quad all along, but it appears now that they're ready to admit it's a concern. On the bright side, he did have his contract officially purchased and was added to the 40-man roster. If Ankiel needs a trip to the disabled list, Roger Bernadina would handle center field.

Rick Ankiel exited Tuesday's game with quad soreness. Nationals manager Davey Johnson called it a "precautionary" measure. Ankiel has battled quad issues all spring, but it's not a major concern and he's expected to be fine for the start of the regular season.

Rick Ankiel (quad) is back in the Nationals' Grapefruit League lineup on Tuesday afternoon. Ankiel missed about a week due to tightness in his left quad. But it was never a major concern in Nationals camp, and the 32-year-old should be back to 100 percent health by Opening Day. He's likely to serve as Washington's primary center fielder this year.

The Nationals are leaning toward Rick Ankiel as their Opening Day center fielder in favor of Roger Bernadina and Brett Carroll, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden. Ankiel and Bernadina could end up in a time share, however, Bowden concedes. Washington has apparently abandoned plans to play Jayson Werth in center and have ordained Bryce Harper as the position's future. Whoever wins this job coming out of camp won't have early-season value outside of NL-only leagues.

Rick Ankiel (quad) is expected to return to game action Tuesday. Ankiel has been dealing with tightness in his left quad since the beginning of last week. He appears to be nearly over the ailment, though, and ready to get back in the swing of things. Ankiel is trying to win the starting job in center field.

Rick Ankiel clarified that an injury to his left quad -- not his hamstring -- has been keeping him out. The injury was never considered serious and only became an issue when running. Ankiel has a home run, triple, and a walk in seven Grapefruit League plate appearances.