Span returning to DL as injuries continue to wreak havoc on Nationals
The Washington Nationals waited 124 games to have their starting lineup fully healthy. Three days later, they are in tatters.
Center fielder Denard Span is headed back to the 15-day disabled list with left hip inflammation related to the back issues that caused him to miss 40 games. Nationals manager Matt Williams admitted it could be a season-ending injury for Span, who came off the DL on Tuesday.
“It’s unclear right now," Williams said after Thursday's game. "I would imagine it’s going to be very tough for him to get back.”
Span, who tied for the National League lead with 184 hits a year ago and is batting .301 this season, has struggled physically since undergoing a pair of surgeries. He had a sports hernia repaired in the offseason and underwent a procedure on an abdominal muscle in March, which delayed his season debut.
The trip to the disabled list to Span is not the only setback for Washington, which sits 6 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the Nationals League East.
Center fielder Michael Taylor, who has been starting in Span's place, suffered a knee contusion and had to exit Thursday's game. Third baseman Yunel Escobar was knocked out of the same game after he was hit by a pitch in the wrist.
Both players were listed as day-to-day and will be re-evaluated Friday. The Nationals have been ravaged by injuries, with only three everyday players in the lineup at one point.
(h/t Washington Post)
