Washington Nationals: Storylines for last call in Atlanta
By Ron Juckett
STAY HEALTHY, MY FRIENDS
We checked and Major League Baseball will not allow players to wrap themselves in packing peanuts and bubble wrap on the field.
After a season of devastating injuries, the last thing Washington needs—outside of a government shutdown—is another catastrophic malady for anyone. With Bryce Harper expecting to face live pitching soon, the hope is everyone will be ready once the bell rings in October.
Although nagging injuries have crept into every player, it is September; the focus shifts into healing and rest. The thought of losing Daniel Murphy or Sean Doolittle is painful to think about.
So, be patient with the lineups Dusty Baker runs out there and how much the starters pitch. Now is the time to think long-term success and less about game-to-game results.
The last thing this team needs is a repeat of Wilson Ramos’ injury after the division was settled. There is a balance for keeping players active and mentally ready.
Remember, there is no magic formula. Even if you do everything possible to avoid injuries, they happen.
Watch how much playing time Jayson Werth gets. Recovery for his foot has gone slower than expected and running full bore into the chain-link fence Sunday at the out-of-town scoreboard caused discomfort with a shoulder and wrist.