Washington Nationals News: Yunel Escobar slated for spring debut Monday
By Pablo Roa
Good afternoon DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily! Check out some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
For the first time in while, there’s some good news to talk about on the injury front for the Nationals. In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses the status of Yunel Escobar. According to Collier, Escobar is making progress in his recovery from an oblique injury and is set to make his Grapefruit League debut Monday.
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Needless to say, this is great news for the Nationals. Not only will Escobar finally be able to play some live baseball before the season starts, but the infielder will also be able to work on his transition from shortstop to second base––the position he’ll be playing every day for the Nationals this season.
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news for the Nationals as the team faces yet another injury (shocker, right?).
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses Nate McLouth, who may not be ready for Opening Day because of an ailing right shoulder. McLouth missed the last few months of the 2014 season after undergoing surgery on that shoulder, so his recent health issues are certainly a concern for the Nationals.
Perhaps the most concerning part about McLouth’s situation is that the outfield is thin as it is, with Jayson Werth and Denard Span out with injuries. We’ll continue to monitor McLouth’s injury situation as well as all other Nationals Spring Training news, so be sure to stay tuned to DoD.
Escobar slated for spring debut Monday
VIERA, Fla. — When the Nationals took the field for batting practice at Space Coast Stadium on Saturday morning, Yunel Escobar was one of the first players standing behind the cage taking practice swings.
Escobar, who was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain, participated in full pregame activities prior to Saturday’s split-squad contest against the Marlins, taking batting practice and grounders at second base for the first time since March 5. If all goes well during the next few days, he is expected to make his spring debut Monday against the Yankees. Read full article here.
Nats unsure whether McLouth will be ready for opener
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Nationals manager Matt Williams said it’s possible outfielder Nate McLouth may not be ready for Opening Day because of his ailing right shoulder.
McLouth, who missed the last two months of the 2014 season because of shoulder surgery, doesn’t have any problems hitting the baseball, but throwing is another matter. He has played in two games this spring, but not since March 12, when he was a designated hitter against the Mets.
“Right now, [being ready for Opening Day] is in jeopardy because we haven’t been able to get him out there for a number of at-bats and get him through a full spring,” Williams said. “We are keeping in mind that he is coming off a pretty serious surgery.” Read full article here.