Unexpected Setback: Nationals’ Third Base Plan Altered on Opening Day
In a surprising turn of events, the Washington Nationals faced a major setback just hours before their Opening Day game against the Cincinnati Reds. Third baseman Nick Senzel, who was set to play a crucial role in the team’s lineup, suffered a fractured thumb during warmups, forcing him to exit the game and head to the clubhouse for further evaluation.
Nationals Manager Dave Martinez expressed his disappointment at the unfortunate injury, stating, ”The blow right before the game today really, really stung a little bit. It’s awful, man. He was in a good spot and we were in a good spot with him. We’re going to miss him, but he’s going to work really hard to get back as soon as possible.”
Senzel, who was signed to a one-year contract in December, was expected to fill a void at third base for the Nationals after a trade earlier in the year. His absence on Opening Day left a noticeable gap in the team’s lineup, with Martinez now turning to 23-year-old Trey Lipscomb to step up in Senzel’s absence.
Lipscomb, who impressed during spring training, will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills at the major league level. Despite the sudden promotion, Martinez expressed confidence in Lipscomb’s abilities, stating, “He didn’t try to do too much. He hit the ball to all parts of the field. He plays the game the right way.”
However, Lipscomb’s promotion also highlights the lack of experienced options for the Nationals in the event of further injuries in the infield. With Senzel sidelined, the team will need to rely on players like Ildemaro Vargas and Jake Alu to step up and fill the void left by the injured third baseman.
As the Nationals navigate through this unexpected challenge, the team remains hopeful for Senzel’s speedy recovery and return to the lineup. Right-hander Josiah Gray expressed his support for Senzel, acknowledging the significance of the injury and the impact it has on the team’s season moving forward.
Despite the setback on Opening Day, the Nationals are determined to overcome this obstacle and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.