With Paul Lo Duca hurt, it's natural the Nationals might seek the services of another catcher. And they have apparently found their man in former Braves and Brewers backstop Johnny Estrada, MLB.com is reporting.

According to the report, Estrada is expected to sign a $1.25 million contract with the team, pending a physical. Team officials declined to confirm the deal. A call to Estrada's agent, David Schwartz, was not returned.

Estrada is a switch-hitting catcher who broke into the bigs with a nice season with the Phillies in 2001 when he replaced the injured Mike Lieberthal. He's a career .280 hitter with 42 home runs and 281 RBI in seven seasons with the Phillies, Braves, Diamondbacks and Brewers. He batted .278 with 10 homeruns and 54 RBI in 442 at-bats with Milwaukee last year.

It's unlikely Estrada would compete for the starting job once Lo Duca comes back from his injured knee in March. But, the signing would allow the Nationals to keep catching prospect Jesus Flores in the minor leagues, where he can get more at-bats.

-- Tim Lemke