Hamstring likely to sideline Espinosa for season

WASHINGTON -- Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa is likely out for the rest of the season because of a small tear in his right hamstring, according to manager Matt Williams. If Espinosa attemps to play, the injury could get worse.

"For him to try to ramp it up and get to a point where he could play, it's a great risk. If it tears it any more in that spot, then it's a long, long rehab," Williams said. "He will continue to do work and do all of those things. In anticipation of him playing during the remainder of the regular season, it's not likely."

Espinosa sustained the injury against the Phillies on Sept. 14. After walking in the 11th inning, he injured the hamstring while scoring the winning run, according to Williams.

Espinosa has been a valuable player off the bench. He has been able to play all four infield positions and the corner spots in the outfield. Espinosa will finish the season hitting .240 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs in 118 games. The switch-hitter improved to .233 against right-handed pitching after hitting .183 against righties last year.

"Over the course of the season, starting with the first day of Spring Training, Danny has done everything that was asked of him," Williams said. "He played multiple positions. He played the outfield, played every day at second base for a long time during the course of the season. He has done everything he could possibly do."