ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Anthony Rendon's left leg felt better Saturday, but he remained out of the lineup for the fifth consecutive day since he fouled a ball off his calf this past Monday. Rendon's status for Opening Day is uncertain, and manager Dusty Baker said he was considering sitting Rendon on Monday to give him extra time to heal his bruised calf.
"We'd rather have him miss Opening Day, possibly -- because we've got a day off after that -- and be ready to go the next day than take a chance and then miss him for 10 days or two weeks," Baker said. "That's the state of Anthony right now. He does feel a lot better than he did yesterday or the day before."
Rendon participated in a full pregame and took batting practice with the rest of the team prior to Saturday's game against the Red Sox at the U.S. Naval Academy, a positive step after he was hindered from any baseball activities the past few days.
Rendon played in 156 games last season, the second most of anyone on the team, which was a large reason why he won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award. Baker still believes his injury is temporary and it should not impact any roster decisions as the team figures out its final bench and bullpen spots.
Worth noting
• Jeremy Guthrie, the last remaining non-roster invitee with the Nats, was not with the team for Saturday's game against the Red Sox. The Nationals did not make any roster announcements and Baker declined to provide any clarity until the team announces its 25-man roster.