It's been a big year for Ivan Rodriguez to date. The Nationals' backstop has started 32 of 45 games, batting .325 and providing some big hits from the bottom half of the order. However, among his successes have been some struggles with his back, and now a lower back strain is forcing him to the disabled list:
Lower Back Injury Leads Ivan Rodriguez To DL
The Nationals placed Ivan Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list today, meaning their veteran catcher will miss the entirety of their 10-game road trip -- and will not be behind the plate on June 4, the likely first start of phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Rodriguez left Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles because of lower back pain after swinging and missing a pitch.
The stint is retroactive to May 23rd, meaning Rodriguez will be eligible to return on June 7th. As noted, this is three days after Stephen Strasburg is expected to debut in the Majors.
With Rodriguez out, Wil Nieves will see regular action behind the plate. Nieves is just 13-58 on the year and owns a career .573 OPS. The team has not yet announced a corresponding roster move to add a backup.
Check out more at Federal Baseball.
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