The Washington Nationals continue to get stung by the injury bug. Catcher Yan Gomes left Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning.
Gomes walked to the dugout after catching a warmup pitch from pitcher Paolo Espino, according to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.
Yadiel Hernandez briefly stepped in to take warmup pitches as 26-year old Tres Barrera got his gear together. Barrera ultimately replaced Gomes, hitting a two-run triple in the process.
Following the Nationals’ 5-3 loss, manager Dave Martinez said Gomes “felt a pinch” in his left oblique while throwing the ball back at Espino during warmup pitches. He will be evaluated further on Saturday, per Bobby Blanco of MASN Sports.
The Nationals are already hurting at multiple positions, including catcher. Usual backup catcher Alex Avila is currently on the 10-day injured list after suffered bilateral calf strains. Barrera was called up on July 3 to backup Gomes in Avila’s absence.
The Nationals have been decimated with injuries, highlighted by slugger Kyle Schwarber, who is out indefinitely with a hamstring strain.
Barrera is a highly-touted prospect, but Gomes has been settled in as the Nationals’ lead catcher. Entering Friday, the 33-year old is hitting .268/.322/.441 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs.
