ATLANTA -- One of the biggest reasons the Nationals have been able to withstand so many injuries this season has been the play of Matt Adams, who has filled in at both first base and in the outfield to provide some left-handed power at the plate.
But after Adams fouled a ball off his right foot during his at-bat in the fourth inning of the Nats' 5-3, 14-inning victory over the Braves, he was forced to leave the game early.
The Nationals did not offer much further detail on Adams' status after the game, other than to say that they plan to re-evaluate him on Sunday.
"He said he was real sore so we took him out," manager Dave Martinez said. "We'll have to re-evaluate him tomorrow."
The Nats have had bad luck with players hitting foul balls off their foot in recent seasons. Jayson Werth did so a year ago, missing about two months with a fractured left foot. Anthony Rendon missed about a month earlier this season with a fractured left big toe. Although the extent of Adams' injury is unknown, Washington will be sure to be careful about his status.
Especially considering that Adams has been one of the Nationals' most valuable reserves this season while they have endured a plethora of injuries. Signed to serve as a left-handed bat off the bench, he has played in 50 games this season, batting .254/.340/.558 with 12 home runs.