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There has been positive news on all the rehabbing Washington Nationals in the last few days with Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon all in action with the Nats' minor league affiliates, Denard Span resting his back and Stephen Strasburg set to throw a live bullpen in Pittsburgh, but just when things started to seem positive, Yunel Escobar appeared to injure his wrist in his first at bat this afternoon.
New York Mets' starter Noah Syndergaard came inside with a 96 mph fastball to Escobar, who started to swing but tried to check it and ended up tossing his bat as he let go of it. Escobar fell to the ground at the plate.
He held his wrist in obvious discomfort and got a visit from team trainer Lee Kuntz, who examined the wrist, which is heavily padded after he's been hit there a number of times this season.
The Nationals' 32-year-old infielder took a few dry swings to test it, decided to stay in the game and fouled off the next pitch before abruptly marching to the dugout and leaving the game.
After the Nats rallied for a 4-3 win over the Mets, Nationals' manager Matt Williams addressed the issue when he spoke to reporters
"He had an X-ray when he came out," Williams said. "That X-ray is negative and we're going to send him for further tests, so that's all we know at this point."
The area that was examined?
"His left hand and wrist."
"Would an X-ray show ligament damage?" Williams was asked.
"Not on an X-ray, that's why we're covering all the bases, yeah."
Was it just the check swing?
"Yeah, and then he took the next swing and it was not good. So, again, that's all we know at this point. X-rays are negative and we're going for more."
A reporter wondered if the Nationals would perhaps speed up Rendon's rehab if they now need to make up for the absence of Escobar for any length of time?
"I hope you'll pardon me," Williams said. "I don't even want to think about that, so we'll get to that later."
Williams was also asked about Bryce Harper, who was seen flexing his left wrist after a big swing and miss later in the game. Harper remained in the lineup, and Williams said there was no problem.
"Nothing that would take him out of the game," Williams said. "So, he was able to continue to play."
More information on Escobar when it is available...
• We talked about Escobar's injury and what it might mean, the Nationals' Michael Taylor-led comeback win and more on the latest edition of Nats Nightly: