This season was supposed to be a year of celebration for the Washington Nationals after winning their first-ever World Series title last fall. However, he pandemic altered the narrative, and the 2020 season has been anything but kind to Washington.
On Friday, the last placed Nationals placed Sean Doolittle on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. Two days before, the Nationals placed Howie Kendrick, one of their biggest heroes last October, on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain.
With 17 games remaining, it’s difficult to see Doolittle returning before the end of the season. The left-handed reliever has struggled with injuries and effectiveness in his final year under contract with Washington.
Kendrick, 37, has a $6.5 million mutual option for next season, but with a $2.25 million buyout, there is a possibility he may not return next year.
When asked if he’s considered the possibility that Kendrick and Doolittle have played their final games with the Nationals, manager Dave Martinez became visibly emotional.
“I try not to think about it because it is sad,” Martinez said before he became silent and eyes teared up.
“When we get there… right now I don’t want to think about it,” he finished.
Doolittle was one of the Nationals’ reliable bullpen arms last year. This year, he struggled early after considering opting out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns. He was placed on the IL last month with a knee injury. He returned on Aug. 30, and looked good until he suffered an oblique injury Thursday night.
Kendrick was quarantined for two weeks during summer camp. His season got off to a slow start and never quite got going.
Kendrick and Doolittle are not alone. Kurt Suzuki, Ryan Zimmerman, Asdrubal Cabrera, Michael A. Taylor and Anibal Sanchez all were factors during the team's run last season, but their contracts expire at the end of this season.
The window of opportunity was closing even before the team's magical run in 2019. Now, the nucleus of the team is no doubt Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Victor Robles.
Martinez may not be alone in preferring not to think about the harsh reality the Nationals will have to face this winter.
It’s disappointing that departing players won’t get the proper sendoff they deserve. Instead of being met by thankful fans applauding them as their time with the team comes to a close, these long-time Nationals will be walking away from a disappointing season and quiet, empty stadiums.
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