Similar to that Thursday, within the hours earlier than their 8-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds of their opener, the Washington Nationals’ third base plan modified.
Chatting with reporters after the opener, Nationals Supervisor Dave Martinez stated that the thumb on Senzel’s throwing hand was fractured. A number of folks conversant in the scenario instructed The Submit that Trey Lipscomb will probably be referred to as up from Class AAA Rochester earlier than Saturday’s recreation.
“The blow proper earlier than the sport as we speak actually, actually stung a little bit bit,” Martinez stated. “It’s terrible, man. He was in a great spot and we had been in a great spot with him. He was excited for [Opening Day], only a freak accident. We’re going to overlook him, however he’s going to work actually exhausting to get again as quickly as doable.”
Washington signed Senzel to a one-year, $2 million contract in December, hoping to fill a void at third base after it traded Jeimer Candelario to the Chicago Cubs in July. For Senzel, a 28-year-old who spent the primary 5 years of his profession with the Reds, the commerce represented a contemporary begin, an opportunity to stay an on a regular basis starter within the large leagues and a chance to reunite with childhood good friend Lane Thomas. For the Nationals, Senzel was the archetype of their offseason plan — a low-cost veteran who could be a constructive affect within the clubhouse, signed on a brief cope with the prospect to make good: A productive season would profit the Nationals and make him a lovely commerce chip.
Now, that’s all on maintain. As Opening Day introductions came to visit the sound system, Senzel was the lone Nationwide to not take the sphere. Within the visiting clubhouse after the loss, Senzel’s grey jersey was the one one that also held on a locker, seemingly untouched.
“Clearly, he can’t swing the bat but or area or something like that,” Martinez stated. “However as quickly as he’s in a position to try this sort of stuff we’re going to get him out to attempt and prepare as quickly as doable.”
Now, the Nationals flip to 23-year-old Lipscomb, who was their closing preseason roster reduce following a profitable spring coaching that noticed him lose a aggressive positional battle at second base with Luis García Jr. He batted .400 in 55 plate appearances with one residence run and 7 RBI, however was introduced as a member of the Class AAA Rochester Crimson Wings at 4:13 p.m. Thursday.
All through spring coaching, Martinez professed his want to get the staff’s prospects on the massive league roster as rapidly as doable, however conceded that it might solely occur if an on a regular basis beginning spot opened up. He took a specific liking to Lipscomb, who showcased defensive versatility that earned him a minor league Gold Glove final yr. He had hoped Lipscomb would get extra reps at second base. It seems that Lipscomb, as an alternative, will begin at third, his pure place, a minimum of till Senzel returns.
Lipscomb additionally checked nearly each different field Martinez wished: He didn’t attempt to do an excessive amount of. He hit the ball to all elements of the sphere. He “performs the sport the suitable method,” Martinez stated.
Nonetheless, this will probably be a big step up for Lipscomb. Although the Frederick, Md., native hit .284 in 80 video games at Class AA Harrisburg final yr, he hit .137 in September and .194 in October. He flashed energy in decrease ranges and in school, although — albeit in a small pattern dimension — simply 4 of his 20 hits went for further bases this spring.
Ought to the Nationals face different accidents within the infield, they’re not left with many skilled choices. The staff has Ildemaro Vargas, who began in Senzel’s place Thursday, as a utility choice, however one whom Martinez prefers to convey off the bench. Different infielders with large league expertise at third base embrace Jake Alu and Carter Kieboom, the latter of whom was designated for task and cleared waivers March 13. Brady Home, one of many staff’s high prospects, is simply 20 and seems a great distance from a call-up.
“I really feel horrible for [Senzel], as a result of clearly the importance of coming again right here, he had a protracted profession right here after which for it to occur in pregame as nicely is a troublesome blow for him,” right-hander Josiah Grey stated. “So I positively really feel for him. I’m positive everybody’s in his nook to hope he will get again wholesome right here quickly and helps us down the highway right here.”
