Tuesday, March 6, 2012

LaRoche may be held out til Thursday

Associated Press photo
Adam LaRoche has yet to make his spring training debut.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Though Adam LaRoche says he's ready to go, Nationals manager Davey Johnson says he'll likely hold his first baseman out more day before letting him make his spring training debut Thursday.

LaRoche hasn't appeared in a game yet after suffering a mild ankle sprain during an early workout. He's also recovering from last summer's surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Johnson had indicated earlier this week he intended to have LaRoche make his debut tomorrow against the Cardinals, but this morning the manager indicated he'll probably wait one more day because LaRoche has not yet had the opportunity to hit off live pitching.

"I think he'll be champing at the bit for tomorrow, but I'm not going to play him tomorrow," Johnson said. "Hopefully he'll be ready to go Thursday."

Johnson later amended his stance and indicated he might let LaRoche get an at-bat or two tomorrow as designated hitter. He won't, however play in the field.

"It's a long spring. We've got time," the manager said. "I'm not worried about it. I'm more concerned about him being right."

11 comments:

NatsLady said...

Have to agree with Davey on this one. Listening to MLB Intentional Talk, a former player asserted that a veteran only needs about thirty AB's to get his form back. Can't see that there's any rush on LaRoche.

Yes, I do read Fangraphs, avidly, although I get tired of the podcasts when they don't talk baseball.

Anonymous said...

So tired of this guy. He was amazing on the field. But he's entering the Nationals Club of Great Disappointments.

It's a large club.

Anonymous said...

If LaRoche is not healthy, the chances of Harper being rostered go way up. They may need hat LHB.

NatsLady said...

Looks like the game with the Cards won't be broadcast, audio or video. Is that the case?

Mick said...

Health of the players really is key. That is the one thing that could derail our optimism. It would be Nats luck if key people are not 100% all year, just our friggin luck!

Cease the Opportunity said...

Put LaRoche on IR. Put Lannan at 1st base, voilĂ ...

NatsLady said...

Cease--yeah, but what about Desi?

NatsLady said...

Morse out with "Lat Strain"???? How serious?

Grandstander said...

Worse signing, Kearns or LaRoche?

Sunderland said...

I'd love to know if it is the ankle (no big deal) or the shoulder (a little more of an issue) that is keeping him out.

Cease the Opportunity said...
Put LaRoche on IR. Put Lannan at 1st base, voilĂ ...

He's tall, left handed, has been know to go yard on occasion.
And extra kudos to CtO for the accent.

NatinBeantown said...

Grandstander, silly question. How can LaRoche be a "bad signing"? He got hurt. Players do that. Anyone who claims that the Nats should have diagnosed something pre-existing misunderstands sports medicine in my opinion. Besides, LaRoche has plenty of time to redeem himself.

As much as I liked him as a person and as a Red, it just never came together here for Austin over a number of years.

Least productive acquisition? Brian Lawrence. Never threw a pitch after the 2nd day of ST.

Post a Comment