Espinosa Has Fractured Wrist; Kobernus Called Up

Danny Espinosa conspiracy theorists: You were right. I’m sorry I doubted you.

May 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) breaks his bat on a pitch by San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40, not pictured) during the second inning at AT

Espinosa has indeed been playing injured, having dealt with a fractured wrist since he was hit by a pitch on April 14th. He has bone chips in his arm and will miss a few days, though he is not expected to go on the disabled list. He is hitting .163/.196/.291 this season, and fans have long been searching for a reason behind his struggles. Perhaps this news will put their souls at rest.

In a corresponding move, the Nationals have called up 2B Jeff Kobernus from AAA Syracuse and designated pitcher Yunesky Maya for assignment. Kobernus is now on the Nationals 40-man roster, and Maya is removed from it. Kobernus is hitting .333/.378/.420 at AAA with 21 stolen bases, and will back up Steve Lombardozzi for as long as Espinosa is out. Maya must now go through waivers before he can return to the minors, but with his career MLB ERA north of 5.50, it seems unlikely that that will happen.