LaRoche out, Detwiler's rehab not on track

Photo by USA Today

Having seen his lineup finally come together in full health before the closing of the season’s first half, Nationals manager Davey Johnson is down another man for the team’s first game after the All-Star break. 

First baseman Adam LaRoche is out with the flu, though it may keep him out just one game. He is expected to stay in the locker room to get treatment by team doctors during Friday night’s game against the Dodgers. 

Johnson hopes to have him back on Saturday.

“I saw him yesterday and I was concerned about him yesterday,” Johnson said. “He was coughing and I think he’s just got a bad case of the flu. He came in just to see a doctor and he’s going to stay in the back room. See if they can’t get him well. I hope he gets well quick.”

Perhaps more concerning to the Nats as they open the second half is another setback for left-hander Ross Detwiler. He threw off flat ground on Thursday and experienced soreness in his back Friday morning. 

The Nats had hoped he could throw a bullpen session on Friday before the game, but plans have changed.

“If he felt good he would get on the mound today, but we’re going to give him another day,” Johnson said.

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