Wilson Ramos Injures Hand in Win

Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s opening day win wasn’t all roses for the Nationals as starting catcher and cleanup hitter Wilson Ramos may have suffered another significant injury.  Ramos was hit in the left hand by a foul ball in the bottom of the sixth and then exited the game after feeling discomfort during his seventh inning at bat.

Initially, James Wagner of the Washington Post reported that Ramos’ hand was fractured but manager Matt Williams said otherwise in his postgame comments. According to Williams, preliminary x-rays were negative but Ramos is headed to see a specialist for confirmation. Williams added that there is no swelling.

The temporary loss of Ramos would strip the lineup of some pop but would not be devastating. Offseason acquisition Jose Lobaton is a capable backup and came through in the top of the tenth with a key base hit. With that said, Ramos’ big bat and familiarity with the pitching staff is a luxury the team would like to have around for the entire season.