Is Adam LaRoche’s Struggles This Season Due to a Medical Issue?

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche has endured a tough season that is nowhere close to the type of production he gave the team in 2012. But it appears that a medical issue has been a big reason for his drop off  this season after it was recently revealed that he’s lost 20 pounds and doesn’t take pregame batting practice anymore.

His sudden weight loss was caused by some medication he’s taking for ADD and it’s really taken a toll on him over the course of the season. I’ve got no issue with what he’s going through, but I’ve got an issue with manager Davey Johnson continuing to play him day after day, knowing how weak the guy is instead of giving Tyler Moore more playing time.

I respect LaRoche for trying to battle through this issue and wanting to be on the field with his teammates, but his lack of production at the plate has really hurt this team. But Davey continues to play him as much as possible and I’m not sure why at this point. I always thought a manager should put the guys on the field that give you the best chance to win each day, but that clearly isn’t the case here and it really frustrates me as a Nats fan.

Moore has been hitting great since being recalled and LaRoche has not been doing much at all offensively since the All-Star break. If a guy is avoiding batting practice because he’s weak and scared of losing more weight, isn’t the manager supposed to do what is best for the team and player? LaRoche isn’t the only player Johnson’s riding into the ground. Look at how long he stuck with Danny Espinosa earlier this season knowing the guy had a shoulder injury and then a bad wrist popped up as well, but he kept putting him in the lineup just about everyday. You can also say the same thing about his handling of Bryce Harper as well.

I’ve been a big fan of Davey Johnson for a long time and was so happy when he took over as the Nats manager, but it’s past time for him to go in my opinion. He isn’t the same manager anymore and I don’t know if it’s age, a health issue, or something else entirely different, but this isn’t the same Davey in my opinion.

I’d really love to hear what everyone else thinks about this even if you have a different opinion.