10:53pm: Kendrick suffered a ruptured Achilles, manager Dave Martinez announced Saturday (via Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com). He’ll undergo season-ending surgery Monday.
7:16pm: The Nationals have placed infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick on the disabled list with a right Achilles injury, per a team announcement. His roster spot will go to right-hander Jefry Rodriguez, whom the Nats recalled from Double-A Harrisburg.
The severity of Kendrick’s injury isn’t yet known, though both the location of the problem and the fact that he left the team’s game on a cart Saturday are alarming.
Kendrick, whom the Nationals re-signed to a two-year, $7MM guarantee in the offseason, had gotten off to a productive start to the season prior to Saturday (.303/.331/.474 and four home runs in 160 plate appearances). The 34-year-old has also played several positions, primarily lining up at second base in place of injured star Daniel Murphy. With Murphy still working back from offseason knee surgery, Wilmer Difo should have second base to himself for the time being. The Nats had been turning to Difo at the keystone anyway in recent days while Kendrick occupied left field to help cover for the absences of the banged-up Adam Eaton–Brian Goodwin duo.
Now that Kendrick has joined Eaton, Goodwin and top prospect Victor Robles on the shelf, and minor leaguer Rafael Bautista is set to undergo season-ending knee surgery, Washington’s outfield depth is clearly weaker than it was entering the day. Bryce Harper and the struggling Michael A. Taylor still remain on hand in starting roles, though, with Matt Adams, Moises Sierra and Andrew Stevenson also serving as potential 25-man options. Their only other healthy, outfield-capable 40-man choices are Matt Reynolds and Jose Marmolejos, both of whom are on Triple-A. Of course, Washington also has another of the game’s best outfield prospects in Juan Soto, but he’s only 19 and has taken just 31 PAs above the Single-A level. Unsurprisingly, then, the Nats aren’t looking to rush Soto to the majors.
”Their only other healthy, outfield-capable 40-man choices are Matt Reynolds and Jose Marmolejos, both of whom are on Triple-A.”
At least Nationals’ other Reynolds, Mark Reynolds is hitting: 3-for-4 with a pair of homers in his Nats’ debut, May 13.
Would you put Mark Reynolds in LF, xabial? Gotta assume “outfield capable” means “physically able in the most basic sense” not “capable of doing a decent job there.”
People mix up the two Reynolds and I just want other fans, not to mix them up. Mark, Matt Lol
Matt Reynolds is a 3B.
Just trade for Hamels and Mazara!
Howie Kendrick has had a underrated career, unfortunately injury.
I second both of those emotions.
Agreed! Such a consistent talented ball player. Definitely underrated. Super solid glove and bat.
Yep, wish he was still at second for LA
Update: Kendrick suffered a Ruptured Achilles. Wtf…
Nationals could acquire Jose Pirlea from the padres to fill what Howie Kendrick was for them- Pirela has played 2B, LF, RF for the Padres
Padres need an opening at 2B for Spangenberg or Urias to get more playing time anyways.
Ugh, that’s such a bad injury. He’s been a good player for a long time. I hope he can come back from it.
Brandon Philips would fit nice in DC.
If dusty was there still.
Ouchy ouch!
Here comes Werth!
So sorry to hear this news. :( I love Howie and the way he plays the game. I was proud to have him on the Phillies last season and hoped he would continue to show the league how great he is on and off the field. He’ll get back to that I’m sure, but this is a bad beat with a long recovery arc. I’ll be praying for an ideal recovery. Work hard and get well, Howie! This league is a better place with you on the field.
What sort of an offer to Cincinnati would be enough to get you Scooter Gennett and Billy Hamilton.
With the Nats various injuries at multiple positions, someone like Whit Merrifield could be a prime target with his versatility, team controllability, and still being in his 20’s, that could be a potential target for Washington & they have enough youth that KC could target for a plausible return…
Why would KC move him? Young, controllable and productive. The type of player they would trade for, not away.
Oooooooooooooooow!!!!
washington didn’t rush soto to the majors, he forced them to take a look