Washington Nationals News: Yunel Escobar leaves game with stomach bug

Washington Nationals infielder Yunel Escobar left Sunday’s game against the Braves after just three innings. At the time, no reason was given for Escobar’s early departure, but there was speculation that Escobar may have hurt himself on a check swing he made earlier in the game.

After the game, however, manager Matt Williams said that Escobar left because of a stomach bug and that there’s nothing physically wrong with him, much to the relief of the Nationals and their fans.

According to Williams, Escobar was not feeling great to start the game and the issue got worse as the day went along. After Escobar left the game, Danny Espinosa slid over to third base and Dan Uggla entered the game to play second.

Fortunately for the Nationals, the stomach issue didn’t stop Escobar—one of the team’s best hitters—from leaving his mark on today’s game. Escobar was 1-for-2 on the day and scored the Nationals’ first run of the game on a double off the bat of Bryce Harper in the bottom of the first inning.

Escobar has been a key part of the Nationals’ offense all season long, hitting .301 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He’s also been phenomenal at third base, despite the fact that it was a new position for him at the beginning of the year. Needless to say, it’s a good thing Escobar won’t be missing more than a couple of games.

“I think it’ll be OK, but we’ll just have to monitor him for the next day or so,” Williams said in his postgame press conference

At this time, it’s not clear if Escobar will start tomorrow night when the Nationals kickoff their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.