Robles OK after X-rays on wrist; Miller to IL
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WASHINGTON -- Nationals outfielder Victor Robles was removed in the fourth inning of Friday night's game against the Cubs, one inning after he was hit on the left forearm by an errant pitch from Cole Hamels. After X-rays came back negative, Robles was diagnosed with a left wrist contusion.
The Nationals weren't so lucky with reliever Justin Miller, who will head to the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain after exiting in the seventh inning of Washington's 14-6 loss to the Cubs.
Injuries have been a part of the story all season for the underachieving Nationals, who had just started to enjoy a lineup back at nearly full strength with the return of Trea Turner on Friday. So they feel fortunate to have apparently avoided losing another hitter in Robles.
On a 3-2 pitch in the third inning, Robles was hit by an 89 mph cutter from Hamels and was in obvious discomfort, holding his left arm as he made his way up the first-base line. Manager Dave Martinez and head athletic trainer Paul Lessard immediately came out of the dugout to check on Robles, but the 21-year-old rookie remained in the game.
That is until the fourth inning, when, with runners on second and third base, Adam Eaton was sent to the plate as a pinch-hitter. The Nationals will re-evaluate Robles on Saturday.
Robles, who has been hit nine times in his brief Major League career, is batting .253/.304/.462 in 44 games with eight home runs and eight stolen bases, both team highs this year. Although his rookie season has been up and down at times, when healthy, he is capable of sparking this Nationals offense.
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Miller is headed to the injured list for the second time this season, just as he was getting into a groove on the mound. He spent time earlier in the season on the sideline with a back injury that had been bothering him since Spring Training. He entered Friday's outing having put together eight consecutive scoreless appearances, holding opposing hitters to a .355 OPS in 8 2/3 innings.
But pitching on back-to-back days, Miller did not have his command on Friday. He surrendered a two-run homer to Kris Bryant in the seventh inning, but after a Anthony Rizzo strikeout and walk to Javier Baez, Lessard and Martinez came to the mound to check on Miller and quickly pulled him from the game.
Miller has made 17 appearances this season and has posted a 4.02 ERA.