The Washington Nationals have been dealt a huge blow heading into the postseason next week, with All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos suffering a torn ACL during Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Nationals Announce Ramos Injury
Tuesday, Sept. 27
Per Comcast SportsNet Nationals, Washington manager Dusty Baker announced Ramos' injury Tuesday.
Ramos' injury adds insult to what was a forgettable 14-4 loss by the Nationals on Monday. He was hurt during the sixth inning after coming down awkwardly while trying to catch a high relay throw from first baseman Ryan Zimmerman.
The Nationals clinched the National League East title on Saturday, but they are ailing with just five games remaining in the regular season.
Stephen Strasburg's return is uncertain right now, though Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters Monday that the team "may be able to answer" if the right-hander can pitch in the division series on Tuesday, per the Washington Post's Jorge Castillo.
Daniel Murphy hasn't played since September 20. Bryce Harper has been banged up most of this season and is dealing with a thumb injury that kept him out of the lineup Monday.
Ramos' injury is particularly devastating because a catcher with a .307/.354/.496 slash line and 22 home runs is a valuable commodity. He controlled the pitching staff and provided the lineup with more depth behind Murphy, Harper and Anthony Rendon.
Jose Lobaton is a decent backup catcher who has been with the Nationals since 2014 and knows the pitching staff, but his production with the bat pales in comparison to what Ramos has done this season.
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