Austin Kearns will undergo surgery tomorrow in Cincinnati to have loose bodies removed from his right elbow. He'll go on the 15-day DL and miss three to four weeks, according to the Nationals.

Kearns had probably been playing with the problem for a while, though he didn't really notice it or bring it up to the club until last Saturday, when he felt something swinging during batting practice. He played that night against the Orioles but hasn't appeared in a game since and hasn't shown any signs of progress. An MRI revealed some loose fragments in the elbow, which can be removed in a fairly minor surgical procedure, to be performed tomorrow by Reds team doctor Tim Kremchek.

The Nationals say they will make a corresponding roster move in time for tomorrow night's game against the Brewers. The logical choice would be outfielder Ryan Langerhans, who is currently hitting .312 with three homers and 24 RBI for Columbus. But Langerhans is what he is: a 28-year-old fourth or fifth outfielder who isn't going to suddenly become an everyday staple for the Nats.

It would be interesting if the organization instead considers Justin Maxwell, the 24-year-old prospect who debuted in the majors last fall and has the tools to become a big-time contributor. The University of Maryland product is hitting only .246 at Class AA Harrisburg, but he's got seven homers, 26 RBI, 13 stolen bases and a .386 OBP that suggests he's becoming a more patient hitter. Maxwell might still not be big-league ready, but the way Elijah Dukes and Wily Mo Pena are playing right now, couldn't you say the same about them?