WASHINGTON -- The Braves placed reliever Scott Linebrink, with a lower back strain, on the disabled list Monday in a move that opened a roster spot for newcomer Michael Bourn.

Linebrink previously has had flare-ups with his lower back before, but he never went on the disabled list because of the problem.

Linebrink was able to pitch Friday night against the Marlins, allowing a hit in a scoreless inning. Linebrink also pitched in four consecutive games last week, beginning with a one-pitch outing in Cincinnati and following with three straight appearances against the Pirates.

With the exception of Drew Stubbs' walk-off home run for the Reds, Linebrink has been very effective. He has allowed only two runs in 18 1/3 innings since June 15, good for a 0.98 ERA.

Jurrjens hitting eighth

The DL move allowed the Braves to keep speedy outfielder Jose Constanza on the roster, and gave manager Fredi Gonzalez some options.

Gonzalez decided to hit pitcher Jair Jurrjens in the eighth spot on Monday night against the Nationals and bat Constanza ninth, with Bourn in his customary leadoff spot for his debut with the Braves.

That was the first time an Atlanta Braves pitcher has ever batted anywhere other than ninth. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Jim Tobin was the last Braves pitcher of any kind to bat higher than ninth, hitting eighth for the Boston Braves on Aug. 12, 1941.

Gonzalez, channeling his inner Tony La Russa, was hoping to take advantage of speedsters Constanza and Bourn hitting back to back and setting up more RBI opportunities for Martin Prado, Freddie Freeman and Dan Uggla. Entering Monday, the Braves had had 11 or more hits in three of their past five games, but no more than two runs in those games.