Updated at 6:29 p.m.The Nationals have placed shortstop Ian Desmond on the newly created paternity leave list and recalled outfielder Roger Bernadina from Class AAA Syracuse to temporarily take his roster spot.
Desmond's wife, Chelsey, had been due to give birth to the couple's first child in Sarasota, Fla., and the Nationals had been prepared for the shortstop's departure for the last week. Grayson Wesley Desmond was born at 3:56 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
Major League Baseball created the paternity leave list this season, allowing expectant fathers to come off the roster for up to three days, with a replacement promoted from the minors to fill that spot. Desmond becomes the second big-leaguer to go on the list, joining Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis.
Desmond has gotten off to a sluggish start to the season, hitting .205 with two homers and eight RBI over his first 20 games. He's also committed seven errors, tied with Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro for the major-league lead. He's expected to miss tomorrow's game but could return in time for Thursday's series finale against the Mets.
Bernadina was hitting .267 with one homer and two RBI in 13 games at Syracuse. The 26-year-old outfielder missed the season's first week while tending to a family matter.
Though Bernadina isn't expected to be in the Nationals' lineup before Desmond returns, he may get a chance to stick around for a little while longer. The club could choose to send infielder Brian Bixler back to Syracuse when Desmond returns and keep Bernadina until Ryan Zimmerman is activated off the disabled list.
It should be noted that Desmond is only tied with Starlin Castro because the Cubs' SS had 3 last night.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Bernie....and best wishes to the Desmond family.
ReplyDeleteDon't let him hold the baby, he's liable to drop it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to DC Roger!
ReplyDeleteYes, Castro and Desmond are tied for the most errors at SS but at least Castro can provide some offense.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Anon 3:26. Got a big chuckle out of that.
ReplyDeleteShow us something Roger!
.205 is not a sluggish start. It's moribund.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 3:26. That joke has been told on here quite a few times. Cute the first time, just not funny any more. Let's be happy for the Desmond family.
ReplyDeleteCastro will overtake Desmond by time of Ian the Juggler's return.
ReplyDeleteN.Cognito
ReplyDeleteBrett Gardner .136
Jorge Posada .145
Carlos Pena .169
Carl Crawford .171
Raul Ibanez .179
Mark Reynolds .179
Dan Uggla .183
Hanley Ramirez.194
Tory Hunter .196
Carlos Santana .200
I think it is a sluggish start; and you guys should be given a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.
Adam Dunn .158
ReplyDelete>>>I think it is a sluggish start; and you guys should be given a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.<<<
ReplyDeleteWe're losing games that we should win in the process, though. That's the problem.
If we were winning and sluggish then it would be no problem.
We are 10 and 11; you think we are under performing?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
ReplyDeleteWe’ve lost to Capuano, Karstens and PAUL MAHOLM! Those are three wins more wins we should have.
Paul Maholm being the worst among them.
And the fans of the other teams are saying: "how could we lose to Hernandez,Lannan Gorezelany?"
ReplyDeleteThe way the Nats are using the Syracuse Chiefs --like a taxi squad were a .250 BA or even less gets you promoted to the Bigs not b/c you deserve it or b/c you're needed but for no good reason or b/c it's the best the Nats FO can think of -- I'm lusting for Richmond as the Nats AAA affiliate, provided a new ballpark somehow gets built. I can understand why the Twins are in Rochester and of course why the Mets are in Buffalo, but what are the Nats doing in Syracuse -- very much unloved by the locals and with no chance of building a fanbase?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with JD. some things are being blown out of proportions but the offense needs to wake up sooner, when pitching remains consistently good.
ReplyDelete@ natinal, Castro has errors in 22 games and Desmond has in 20 games. He literally, single-handedly beat Cubs yesterday. Desmond also had those kind of games, no doubt and I am tired of the errors; but still willing to give him a little more time.
JD said...
ReplyDeleteN.Cognito
Brett Gardner .136
Jorge Posada .145
Carlos Pena .169
Carl Crawford .171
Raul Ibanez .179
Mark Reynolds .179
Dan Uggla .183
Hanley Ramirez.194
Tory Hunter .196
Carlos Santana .200
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I can't give any advice to the others on this list, but if Carlos Santana is only hitting .200, he should probably put down the Fender Stratocaster and use a bat....
Indeed, TimDz. Maybe he could also consult a black magic woman.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I hear when he gets hot, his hitting is supernatural.
ReplyDelete