Sean Doolittle’s night ended after just three pitches Thursday. The Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher got Atlanta Braves Braves left fielder Nick Markakis to ground out in the ninth before signaling to the Nationals’ dugout. After a visit from head trainer Paul Lessard and manager Dave Martinez, Doolittle limped off the mound.
Following the game Martinez informed the media Doolittle left the game due to a right oblique issue.
Doolittle had seemingly turned the narrative of his season around. He struggled at the start of the season before landing on the injured list with a right knee injury last month. He returned on Aug. 30 and strung together five straight appearances without allowing a run before Thursday night’s outing.
Doolittle has a 5.87 ERA with a 1.70 WHIP in 11 appearances.
Doolittle’s injury added to the Nationals’ woes Thursday night against the Braves. Washington built a 5-0 lead before Atlanta rallied to a 7-6 win. The loss dropped the last-placed Nationals to 16-26 on the season.
