The team takes a break, the injuries do not

Washington Nationals left fielder Wily Mo Pena will almost certainly head to the disabled list after an MRI and an examination today of his left shoulder indicated several forms of damage.

Pena, who met with Nationals orthopedist Ben Shaffer, has a small tear and impingement in his left rotator cuff, as well as fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder. Surgery will take place within the next 7-10 days, the team said.

Pena, 25, has played much of the season in pain, regularly taking anti-inflammatory medication and receiving one cortisone shot several weeks ago. Expected to inject the Nationals lineup with power, Pena is hitting just .205 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 195 at bats. During the final series before the all-star break, Manager Manny Acta said that Pena looked "lost" at the plate.

"This is certainly the main reason that he has struggled all year," General Manager Jim Bowden said via e-mail.