The Washington Nationals have placed third baseman Anthony Rendon on the 10-day injured list due to a left elbow contusion, the team announced Tuesday.
Rendon going on the IL is retroactive to Apr. 27. He had missed seven of the last eight games since being hit by a pitch on his elbow on Apr. 20. Mark Zuckerman of MASN explains the timeline of Rendon’s return.
X-rays on Rendon’s elbow were negative initially, and he was not immediately placed on the IL. However, he appeared in just one game, Apr. 26. he went 0-for-3 at the plate and was hit by a pitch.
He underwent a second MRI on Sunday that confirmed the injury was just a contusion.
Rendon joins Nationals’ Opening Day first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (foot) and shortstop Trea Turner (finger) on the IL. Washington has turned to Wilmer Difo, Matt Adams, and Howie Kendrick for the most part in their absence and recently called up top infield prospect Carter Kieboom.
Rendon has been impressive all season, hitting .356/.442/.740 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in 86 plate appearances. He also has drawn nine walks and scored 26 runs while hitting 10 doubles.
In a corresponding transaction, the Nationals called up veteran reliever Dan Jennings from Double-A Harrisburg. The 32-year-old left-hander has posted a 2.45 ERA in 3 2/3 innings during his brief stint in the minors since joining the Nationals organization in mid-April.
The Nationals designated pitcher Austin Adams for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Jennings.
