MLB Injury Updates

Danny Espinosa injury: Nationals second baseman day-to-day with sore wrist

The Washington second baseman is hopeful that he will not miss any playing time after being hit on the wrist by a fastball.

By Connor Moylan Apr 14, 2013, 7:08pm EDT

Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa was removed from the Nationals game today against the Atlanta Braves after being hit in the wrist by a Paul Maholm fastball. The x-rays on his wrist came back negative, making Espinosa hopeful that he will not miss any playing time.

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Espinosa stayed in for another inning after being hit by the pitch, but was lifted in the fourth inning for Steve Lombardozzi. Team doctors then examined his hand, and were worried that he had broken his hamate bone. That injury would have been serious, as Espinosa had surgery on the bone in 2010.

The second baseman was in pain after the game, but was hopeful that by tomorrow the pain will go down and he will be able to play. Nationals manager Davey Johnson presented a more measured take, telling the media that Espinosa will likely "miss a game or two."

Espinosa has gotten off to a cold start in 2013. The 25 year-old is only hitting .175/.214/.350 through his first 42 plate appearances. Lombardozzi can expect to receive any starts that Espinosa misses; the infielder went 1-3 replacing Espinosa on Sunday, and is now 2-7 on the season.