Ailing Shoulder Sends LaRoche to DL

The Washington Nationals have placed first baseman Adam LaRoche on the 15 day disabled list.  LaRoche has been dealing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

The team has known about the injury the entire season.  With LaRoche’s average dipping, Washington is hoping some time off can allow his shoulder to regain its strength.  Manager Jim Riggleman outlined the team’s thought process during his interview with MASNSports.

"“Adam is basically saying, ‘It doesn’t hurt, but I can’t believe I’m missing these pitches, so maybe it’s something there not allowing me to get to the ball,'” Riggleman said. “You’ve got to explore that, to see if no throwing activities, no lifting, no swinging will let it calm down to the point that maybe then it can go back up. It’s just unfortunate that he’s got to go through this, but this is the step we’re taking now.”"

The team had been hoping for more from LaRoche when they signed the first baseman to a 2 year $15 million deal this offseason.  A notoriously slow starter, LaRoche has begun the year in particularly futile fashion, holding a current line of .172/.288/.258.

The Nationals have Michael Morse starting at first tonight, but they don’t have a definite plan set for LaRoche’s replacement.  Riggleman did mention that the club will look to have outfielder Rick Ankiel take ground balls at first.

While the team may not be missing his bat, LaRoche provided a steady glove at first.  He did not have an error on the season, and has supported his teammates with some nice plays at the bag.