Washington Nationals: Adam Eaton Lands On DL; Severity Unknown

The Washington Nationals and fans hold their breath waiting to hear how bad Adam Eaton’s injury is. The team called up Rafael Bautista to fill his spot.

Washington Nationals center fielder Adam Eaton is on the 10-day disabled list with a left-knee sprain.

That is the official word Saturday morning as the team awaits results from an MRI. Eaton awkwardly stumbled at first base in last night’s 7-5 loss to the New York Mets in the ninth inning. Unable to place any weight on the leg, he needed to be carried off the field.

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Called up to replace Eaton on the roster is Rafael Bautista from Triple-A Syracuse. Bautista saw time with the Nats this spring and played well in the Grapefruit League.

With the Chiefs this year, Bautista has a slash line of .291/.325/.354 in 19 games. Although he has little home run power, none this season, he has five doubles and three stolen bases. He has been caught stealing three times too.

Last year in Double-A Harrisburg, he swiped 56 bags in 66 attempts. Hitting .282, Bautista slashed four triples and 12 doubles. His batting eye needs work as he has 12 strikeouts this year and 94 last.

For the short term, Michael A. Taylor gets the call in center. Taylor made the team out of camp but struggles at the plate. In 13 games, he is 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts. You cannot hit .095 and play in the majors. This is his last chance to prove himself.

Before the injury, Eaton excelled in his first month with the Nats. Hitting leadoff after the hamstring injury to Trea Turner, Eaton is second on the team in runs with 24 and walks with 14. His on-base percentage of .393 will be hard to replace regardless of who earns the majority of playing time in his absence.

For now, the job is Taylor’s. Under the weight of high expectations after another good spring, the pressure to perform is immense. It is also personal after the death of his father in March.

Until we know the extent of Eaton’s injury, guessing what happens down the road is pure speculation. Bautista will get playing time to ease onto the team, but the job at the moment is Taylor’s.

Next: Impact of Eaton's injury

After a high-flying start, and a 9-1 three-city road trip, Friday’s loss is a gut punch to a team playing well. How hard the punch is remains on the results of Eaton’s MRI.

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