Nats activate Kearns in time for game vs. former team

CINCINNATI -- The Washington Nationals activated right fielder Austin Kearns from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and optioned infielder-outfielder Kory Casto to Triple-A Columbus.

Kearns, 28, was placed on the disabled list on May 22 with elbow problems and had arthroscopic surgery the next day to remove loose particles. He was batting .187 when he went on the disabled list, but he hit .412 with a double, triple, home run and seven RBI during a seven-game rehab assignment with Columbus.

The native of Lexington, Ky., located about 90 miles south of Cincinnati, was in Washington's starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds.

Casto, 26, hit .180 with two doubles, one home run and seven RBI in 23 games with the Nationals.