Nationals Provide Positive Update on Anthony Rendon After Early Exit From Game
By Jerry Trotta
Washington Nationals fans were forced to hold their collective breaths during Wednesday afternoon's game against the Giants when Anthony Rendon was removed after being drilled on the foot by San Francisco left-hander Andrew Suarez in the fourth inning.
Surprisingly, the All-Star third baseman initially opted to stay in the game. However, he was ultimately replaced by Brian Dozier by the time the Nats took the field in the bottom half of the sixth frame.
Well, fast forward to the post-game presser, and manager Dave Martinez provided a positive update on his slugger's status. The skipper claimed that he was only replaced for precautionary reasons and that he was doing just fine after icing the knock.
The HBP will bring back daunting memories to earlier this season when Tony Two-Bags was forced to miss 14 games after being beamed on the elbow. Washington devotees will also be quick to remember that he was on the shelf for a portion of 2018 upon being plunked on his foot.
When you talk about a player the Nats can't afford to see go down, Rendon (other than Max Scherzer) is that player. The Lamar High School product has been nothing short of spectacular in 2019, slashing .315/.401/.601 to go with 24 home runs, 87 RBI, and 80 runs scored.
What a relieving update for a club in the thicket of a tightly-packed NL Wild Card race.