Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters may not play again this year after undergoing hamstring surgery on Wednesday. Here are five possible replacements.
The Washington Nationals have always been a bit snakebit behind the plate. Catcher is a gruesome position, which nobody knows better than the Nats.
Jesus Flores began the decade as the Nats’ catcher, but suffered a few significant shoulder injuries, derailing his career. Then, Wilson Ramos took over and tore his ACL twice. Now, Matt Wieters, Ramos’ replacement, has suffered a significant hamstring injury.
Last week, when the Nats were visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wieters jogged to first after singling into center field and called for the trainer. He did not take an awkward step and walked off the field under his own power, but something was clearly wrong.
After the game, Dave Martinez said that Wieters felt something grab in his left hamstring and knee, and he would receive an MRI once the swelling subsided.
Now, the Washington Nationals have announced that Wieters underwent hamstring surgery. However, they would not give a timetable for his return.
Hamstring surgery typically signals a significant tear, which would likely result in Wieters missing the remainder of the 2018 season. It is never good to speculate, but it appears unlikely that he will return this year.
In Wieters’ absence, Pedro Severino will become the Washington Nationals primary catcher. The 24-year-old backstop has impressed early in 2018, slashing .274/.386/.356 in 25 games. His elite defense and energy have also allowed him to quickly become a clubhouse favorite.
There is little doubt that Severino can handle the role, but the Nats lack a proven backup.
Spencer Kieboom is currently on the roster after hitting .324 in 26 games this spring but has yet to receive a major league at-bat. He could be the answer, but he has not yet received an opportunity to prove himself.
The Nats also have veteran Tuffy Gosewisch in Triple-A. The 34-year-old is a career .190 hitter but is hitting .283 in 17 games for the Syracuse Chiefs. Look for him to receive an opportunity if Kieboom struggles possibly.
Finally, the Nats have Raudy Read, who is almost major league-ready. Unfortunately, he is currently serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
In all likelihood, the Nats will be in the market for someone to at least split time with Severino. Without further ado, let’s take a look at five possible fits.