Washington Nationals Hamstrung Early At Shortstop

Early this season, the hamstring injury has plagued both of the Washington Nationals starting shortstops and limited their depth

While the Washington Nationals offense has been excellent this season, they have struggled to find a healthy body at shortstop. Last weekend, Trea Turner tweaked his hamstring and had to go on the new ten day disabled list.

Then, more bad news happened on Tuesday night when Stephen Drew hurt his right hamstring in the fifth inning of the Nats 8-3 win over the Cardinals. Yesterday, they placed Drew on the disabled list and called up Grant Green from triple-A Syracuse:

Now, the ten day disabled list is helpful because it allows the team to fill a roster spot rather than play short handed for a few days. But, with the lack of shortstop depth in the minor leagues because Emmanuel Burriss is suspended, Green made the most sense for the backup spot.

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With Turner and Drew out, the spotlight is now on Wilmer Difo to contribute on a day-to-day basis. Some thought he would be sent down before the season to play more games at the triple-A level. Of course, nobody thought the Nats would lose both starting shortstops in the first week of the year.

However, it sounds like the Washington Nationals may have gotten lucky since both of these injuries aren’t as severe as Dusty Baker told the media yesterday in regard to Drew’s hamstring strain:

Baker seems to have a lot of confidence in Difo if you consider that he was hitting second in the batting order on Tuesday night. Some might question that decision, but Difo is a switch-hitter and it allows speed at the top of the order as well as splitting up the left-handed hitters.

Green isn’t a bad option as the backup shortstop for a short period of time. He does have Major League experience (.251 career average in four seasons). Plus, it allows Baker to use Difo at third or second base when Anthony Rendon or Daniel Murphy need a day off.

As for the injuries themselves, the Washington Nationals have to be very careful with Turner and Drew. Hamstring injuries can happen again and have the potential to derail a season if setbacks continue. That is definitely the case with Turner, who relies heavily on his speed to be successful.

Next: Gonzalez Showing Confidence In Tough Spots

This offseason, the depth conversation around the Washington Nationals was about the starting pitching. Now, it’s safe to say they can ill afford to lose another shortstop as the healthy depth at that position continues to dwindle.