Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki and center fielder Victor Robles are out for Game 1 of the NLCS at the St. Louis Cardinals. Yan Gomes will catch and bat eighth in place of Suzuki. Michael A. Taylor will replace Robles and bat seventh as he has since Game 3 of the NLDS.
Suzuki out of the Nats lineup after taking that pitch off his hand and face on Wednesday. Means Gomes will catch Sánchez, who has worked exclusively with Suzuki when Kurt has been healthy. Robles also still out, so Taylor starts again. pic.twitter.com/fPLBlyS3rk
Suzuki was hit by a pitch in game 5 of the NLDS. The ball hit him on the wrist then his face, dropping him to the ground. Luckily, he avoided serious injury, however, his wrist went prevent him from catching Friday night.
Robles injured his hamstring in Game 2 of the NLDS running. He has been listed day-to-day, however, has not since returned to the lineup.
Eyes will be on how Sanchez works with Gomes, as he has worked exclusively with Suzuki as Dan Kolko noted.
