Anthony Rendon lost his job as the Nationals’ starting third baseman when he suffered a knee injury during spring training. He wouldn’t make his season debut until June 4, and rather than displace Yunel Escobar, the club sent Rendon to second base.
The Nationals plan to move Rendon back to third base for the 2016 season, James Wagner of the Washington Post reports. Manager Matt Williams said of Rendon at third base, “He’s most comfortable there. With the injuries and coming back, the apple cart and all of that, it would be a situation where Anthony is best served playing third.”
Rendon has battled other injuries this year, limiting him to 66 games total. While rehabbing in April, he suffered an oblique injury. He then missed about a month between late June and late July due to a strained left quad. Overall, Rendon hasn’t hit for much power but his numbers are otherwise decent considering the circumstances. He carries a .278/.355/.382 triple-slash line with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 293 plate appearances.
With Ian Desmond headed into free agency, the Nationals’ infield will include Rendon, Trea Turner, Escobar, and Ryan Zimmerman.