Following in the footsteps of trailblazer Colby Lewis, Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond has left the team to go on paternity leave. From Nats Insider:
Ian Desmond Placed On Paternity Leave
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, has been due to give birth to the couple's first child in Florida, and the Nationals have been prepared for the shortstop's departure for the last week.
The paternity list is a new addition to the Major League Baseball rulebook this year, allowing a player to leave for up to three days while giving his team the opportunity to recall a minor leaguer to fill the vacant roster spot. In prior seasons, the teams would just have to make do with a 24-man roster.
The Nationals are already without third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, so their infield could be a little interesting for the next few days. Alex Cora will get the start at short tonight.
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