Kearns to the DL

Chico's on his way to Comcast SportsNet studios for a Washington Post Live appearance tonight (catch it live-streamed via washingtonpost.com starting at 5 every weekday), so I'll pass on this news, straight from a team press release:

The Washington Nationals today placed right fielder Austin Kearns on the 15-Day Disabled List (right elbow). The Nationals will make a corresponding roster move prior to tomorrow's series opener vs. Milwaukee. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Tomorrow, Kearns will have arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Tim Kremchek in Cincinnati, OH, to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.

Kearns, 28, is currently batting .187 (28-for-150) with three home runs and 16 RBI in 42 games.

With this move, the Nationals currently have seven players on the Disabled List, including four members of the Nationals' Opening Night starting lineup (Kearns, first baseman Nick Johnson, catcher Paul Lo Duca, second baseman Ronnie Belliard) and their closer (right-handed pitcher Chad Cordero) entering the season.