Adam LaRoche Comes Off DL

The Nationals who have been plagued by injury to start the season, with Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, Gio Gonzalez and Wilson Ramos all doing time on the disabled list, are going to get a rejuvenating boost today when they close out their weekend series in Pittsburgh.

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Earlier today, first baseman Adam LaRoche was activated after spending time on the disabled list due to a strained right quad.

His comeback couldn’t come at a better time, the Nationals have not been able to produce without the crux of their hitting lineup available to play. LaRoche’s return should spark a comeback in that regard. The veteran was hitting very well before going down with an injury, putting up a .319/.421/.504 through 32 games. Solid production from an aging vet whom many questioned coming into the season. Everyone slows down, but LaRoche has played at peak performance levels when in the lineup, and his return is certainly needed.

He will be batting cleanup tonight against the Pirates, looking to add to his stat sheet where he has 5 home runs and 21 RBIs already.  His two year, $24 million contract has paid dividends, but only when healthy (obviously) and that is a very shaky “when.” Hopefully his return to the lineup will not be temporary, because without the other key power hitters (Zimmerman, Harper) LaRoche’s presence has never been more vital.