On Wednesday, the Marlins reinstated Hermida from the 15-day disabled list, where he was placed retroactive to March 21 with a strained left hamstring.

Hermida was eligible to be activated on April 5, but rather than rushing back, the 24-year-old played a couple of extra rehab assignment games for Class A Jupiter before rejoining the team.

Hermida hooked up with the team in Washington during its' off-day on Tuesday. He was back in the lineup, hitting third and playing right field on Wednesday, in the second of three games with the Nationals.

"I took a little bit of time to make sure [the hamstring] was healthy and ready to go," Hermida said. "I played five [rehab] games to make sure it was feeling good."

To make room on the roster, Brett Carroll was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday. Along with activating Hermida on Wednesday, the Marlins also outrighted infielder Jason Wood to Albuquerque.

A first-round pick in 2002, Hermida had a solid 2007 season, batting .296 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs. After the All-Star break, his hitting really picked up. Generally batting third in the lineup, he batted .340 in the second half.

During Spring Training, Hermida suffered the hamstring injury after appearing in 12 Grapefruit League games. He had 36 Spring Training at-bats, and added 15 for Jupiter before heading to Washington.

"He's fine now, he's good to go," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

With Hermida back, Mike Jacobs slides from batting third in the lineup to fifth, in order to accomodate Hermida.

"It's nice to come back in and be right where you were," Hermida said. "It was good that they showed the confidence in me. I'm not trying to make up for lost time like I did in the past. I'm just stepping right in and trying to contribute any way I can."

Luis Gonzalez and Carroll filled in right field while Hermida was on the shelf.

The 40-year-old Gonzalez will now see his role change to a spot starter and a left-handed bat off the bench.

Gonzalez also is available to give left fielder Josh Willingham a breather, as well as in double-switch situations.