Nationals injuries put damper on win
While the Nationals rejoice over their thrilling win to open their new park, a pair of injuries could put a damper on their jubilance.
After rolling out to Chipper Jones in the fifth inning, Elijah Dukes was pulled from the game and placed on the 15-day disabled list after the game. Dukes has been battling hamstring problems for the past couple of weeks and felt the hamstring tighten up on him. He’ll shut it down, hoping it allows the hamstring to fully heal.
“It’s not getting any better by me going out there and still trying to run on it,” Dukes said. “I’m going to give it some time and let it heal properly so I can give 110 percent.”
The Nationals are left with a pair of left handed hitting outfielders in Willie Harris and Rob Mackowiak to fill in for Dukes. Harris replaced Dukes last night and figures to receive a bulk of the playing time while Dukes and Wily Mo Pena are on the shelf.
More pressing than the injury to Dukes is that of their closer, Chad Cordero. Cordero was noticeably missing on Sunday night in a save situation after feeling a sharp pain in his shoulder during batting practice. Jon Rauch entered to pitch the ninth instead. The team is considering him day to day after receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder. He’ll be sidelined for a few days to allow the injection to work. Rauch will continue to get the save chances in Cordero’s absence.
Filed under: Chad Cordero, Elijah Dukes, Jon Rauch, Washington Nationals, Willie Harris