"Outfielder Lastings Milledge of Class AAA Syracuse suffered a broken finger while attempting to bunt in the first inning of the Chiefs' game today, the latest setback in the career of the talented but inconsistent player who opened the season as the Nationals' everyday center fielder and leadoff man.

Milledge, 24, broke the ring finger of his right hand, according to Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo, who is in San Francisco with the big league team but received a phone call about the injury. Rizzo said it was too soon to speculate about Milledge's prognosis, or whether the injury would even require a trip to the disabled list.

"I need to talk to the doctor and see where he's at," Rizzo said. "I really don't know anything else at this point."

According to the Web site Syracuse.com, which first reported the injury, Milledge was facing pitcher Ty Taubenheim of the Indianapolis Indians with a runner on first when he squared around to bunt. The pitch struck Milledge in the hand, and he writhed on the ground in pain as Chiefs Manager Tim Foli and team trainer Beth Jarrett rushed to his aid."