WASHINGTON -- Paul Lo Duca has made his reputation as a good catcher. But the Nationals' mounting injury problems and their need for more offensive punch moved him to the outfield for the first time in four years on Tuesday.

However, the veteran may be added to the injury list after exiting the game in the top of the second inning with light-headedness and was taken to Sibley Hospital for precautionary reasons. Wily Mo Pena replaced him.

Manager Manny Acta, searching desperately for any kind of offensive production, put Lo Duca in left field for the first time since 2004 in the middle game of the Nats' three-game series with the Angels. Lo Duca was batting seventh against starter Jon Garland.

"We're just trying to [get] the best lineup possible to get something going for us," Acta said. "We need to get something out of that left-field [spot]. Paul rehabbed and he's had a history of hitting. He's hit there before. He's played there before."

Lo Duca last played left field while with the Dodgers, and he missed 36 games earlier this season with a metacarpal fracture in his right hand.

Lo Duca has gone 2-for-13 since coming off the disabled list. That, plus the quick development of Jesus Flores (.307) at catcher pushed Acta to find other spots for Lo Duca, so both players' bats can be in the game at once.

Lo Duca started at first base last Wednesday for only the 44th time in his career -- which has spanned 1,039 games -- and now comes left field.

The veteran joked about the position change before the game, trying to keep everything in perspective.

"I just want to make the routine play, hit the cutoff man and help the team," Lo Duca said. "It's been four years. It's not like riding a bicycle, believe me. I'm excited. ... I've got nervous energy. It's going to be interesting to see [what happens]."

Lo Duca was set to use the glove of teammate Austin Kearns, presently on the disabled list, hoping that could help.

"I'm a regular Willie Mays out there," Lo Duca said with a smile. "We'll see what happens. It's something new, something fresh. I just want to try and get into the lineup. I'm healthy finally ... and, hopefully, I can contribute."

Lo Duca struggled a bit early, fielding Garret Anderson's sacrifice fly with no trouble in the first. But he was charged with an error when his throw back to the infield bounced away from the cutoff man, letting Erick Aybar move to second base. Aybar gave the Angels a 2-0 lead moments later when he scored on a Vladimir Guerrero single.