WASHINGTON (AP) -Cristian Guzman was out of the Nationals’ starting lineup for a second straight game, and manager Manny Acta said the All-Star shortstop’s sore left thumb would need more rest before he returns.
“We’re going to give him a couple more days,” Acta said. “It’s still hurting him.”
Guzman has missed seven of eight games with the injury. He was pressed into service Aug. 2 against Cincinnati when the Nationals ran out of infielders after a calf strain forced outfielder Elijah Dukes from the game in the ninth inning.
The malady makes it difficult for Guzman, who is hitting .277 with three home runs and 22 RBIs, to grab a bat.
“A couple more days,” Guzman said, when asked when he might return to the lineup.
Guzman said the thumb issue wouldn’t prevent him from playing defense, but Acta seemed to think that complete rest was necessary for his recovery.
“We’re probably going to stay away from him, if possible,” Acta said. “We’ll see how he is after a few days off.”
With left-hander Jorge De La Rose starting the opener of a three-game series for the Colorado Rockies on Friday night, right-handed batter Ronnie Belliard started at shortstop.
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