The Nationals will be without infielder Anthony Rendon indefinitely after an MRI revealed a strain in his left oblique, according to CSN Washington.
Rendon has been out all season with an MCL sprain in his left knee. He was nearing his debut until he suffered this latest setback last week.
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After a breakout year in which he hit 21 home runs, drove in 83 runs and stole 17 bases, Rendon was expected to become one of the premier infielders in baseball this season.
When he returns, Rendon may alternate between second and third base. Before the knee injury, Rendon was expected to play third, his natural position, but Yunel Escobar, the projected second baseman, has played well there in Rendon's absence. Danny Espinosa and Dan Uggla are holding down second base.