Nationals young third baseman Carter Kieboom was a late scratch for Friday’s spring training opener. Initially the club said Kieboom had elbow soreness and was set to have an MRI on Saturday. Those results are in and it doesn’t appear to be good.
Kieboom has been diagnosed with a strained flexor mass in his throwing elbow, Dave Martinez told reporters, per Mark Zuckerman of MASN. For now, Kieboom will need rest and rehab. He’ll have further testing to ensure there is no ligament damage.
There’s no firm timetable for his return. The prognosis makes him unlikely to be available for Opening Day. Opening Day is slated for Apr. 7. The Nationals will host the New York Mets.
The 24-year old is entering his fourth season of play with the Nationals. Still a promising prospect, Carter Kieboom comes into the year looking to prove himself after a dreadful start to his career.
He was expected to compete with 29-year old veteran Maikel Franco for the third base spot in the lineup. Franco will likely man third during Kieboom’s absence.
Once a highly-touted prospect, Kieboom has hit .197/.304/.285 in 414 career at-bats. He has eight home runs, 31 RBIs, 46 walks and 111 strikeouts in his career. He’s only played in 106 games.
Now, he’ll be on the shelf and have to wait to get back on the field to prove himself.
