Injury Updates: Ramos Likely To Miss Time, Harper To Return?
By Andrew Flax
Yesterday was quite eventful for Nationals injuries. Bryce Harper made his first game appearance since suffering his and Jayson Werth played in his first minor league rehab game, but Ross Detwiler and Wilson Ramoswere afflicted by wounds of their own.
May 15, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals pinch hitter Bryce Harper (34) grounds out in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Nationals 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The most serious news concerns Ramos. As many feared, he pulled his hamstring again. The hamstring caused him to go on the DL earlier this season, and it looks like he will be heading back there. Ramos said he does not want to go back on the disabled list, but understands that the team cannot go an extended period of time with only one catcher. Davey Johnson said he will be “down for a while,” and that the team will likely call up Jhonatan Solano again from AAA Syracuse to join the team in San Diego tomorrow if Ramos is sent to the DL. If these events do come to pass, Kurt Suzuki will reassume his role as unquestioned starting catcher.
Detwiler’s prognosis was not nearly as grim. He suffered back spasms, which made pitching uncomfortable, and will certainly not go on the DL. Postgame, he said he felt “not all that great,” but only time will tell whether or not he misses his next start. It’s anyone’s guess as to who would make the spot start, but MASN’s F.P. Santangelo speculated that it could be Craig Stammen, who allowed just two hits while striking out three in three innings of relief today.
Harper, now beardless, grounded out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. Although he was healthy enough to make an appearance, he said he felt “terrible” afterwards. He will see how he feels tomorrow, but could play.
For the High A Potomac Nationals, Werth played in his first game since suffering a strained hamstring. He looked good at the plate and in the field, going 1-2 and making a nice throw to nail a runner at home. He should return Saturday against San Diego, the first day he can come back off the DL.