Michael A. Taylor will replace Victor Robles in center field as well as the eighth spot in the Washington Nationals’ lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Robles tweaked his hamstring and was considered day-to-day following Game 2.
Robles was injured running to first base off a bunt in the eighth inning of Game 2. He was replaced by Taylor in the ninth in the outfield.
Robles had an MRI Saturday and was diagnosed with a “very, very” mild strain, according to manager Davey Martinez.
Considering he is available to pinch-hit is encouraging. If the injury was more severe and he had to be taken off the roster, he would have been ineligible to play in the NLCS if the Nationals advanced. Robles has been arguably one of the best center-fielders in MLB this year.
Victor Robles led all MLB center-fielders with 12 assists. He also led the league in outs above average with 21.
Also to note, Howie Kendrick will start his fourth straight postseason game. He moves back to first base from second base, as Ryan Zimmerman goes back to the bench. Brian Dozier will start at second base.
Anibal Sanchez gets the nod on the mound, as Martinez opts to move Max Scherzer back to start Game 4. Scherzer threw 14 pitches in eighth inning of Game 2’s win out of the bullpen. While he did not throw a side session, Martinez felt it was best to preserve Scherzer to Monday night.
Dodgers Lineup
