Chaparro has oblique strain, will open season on IL (updated)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Andrés Chaparro will open the season on the injured list after an MRI today revealed a left oblique strain for the Nationals first baseman/designated hitter.

Chaparro was taking batting practice Friday prior to the Nats’ game against the Braves in North Port when he felt a “jab” in his side on one swing. He immediately left the field with a trainer and was scratched from the lineup.

Chaparro said he’s made some progress over the last 24 hours, but he’s still in some discomfort and was just hoping this afternoon the MRI results didn’t show a significant injury.

“It’s kind of a pulsing thing on my side,” he said, via interpreter Kenny Diaz. “It’s almost like you feel a constant pain that keeps coming and going, just throbbing. I feel a little better than I did yesterday. I’m just working with the trainers and seeing what the recovery looks like.”

Manager Davey Martinez revealed after the game the MRI results, which showed a strain of the left oblique muscle. There's no firm timetable for his return, but Martinez acknowledged Chaparro won't be ready for Opening Day.

“That could be two to four weeks,” the manager said. “We’ll see how fast he heals, but he’s going to be out for a little bit.”

Chaparro has never had a serious injury before, so he doesn’t have much to compare this issue with.

“Luckily, thank god, I’ve been able to stay healthy throughout my career,” he said. “So it’s really the first time I’ve kind of experienced something like this.”

The 25-year-old, acquired from the Diamondbacks last summer for reliever Dylan Floro, made his major league debut in August and finished with a .694 OPS, 12 doubles and four homers in 33 games down the stretch.

He came to camp this spring looking to compete for a spot on the Opening Day bench and has made a good case for himself, batting .387 with two doubles, a homer and a .973 OPS in 14 Grapefruit League games.

That made this injury, which occurred less than two weeks until the season opener, even tougher for Chaparro to accept.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s tough just because you’re playing, you’re trying to compete for a spot,” he said. “It’s no secret. We’ve all worked hard to get to where we’re at. So the biggest thing is, we always stress health. Right now, what I’m focused on is getting back to 100 percent to be able to not only fight for a spot, but earn a spot and help teammates.”

“He’s done really well this camp,” Martinez said. “He’s really hit the ball hard. But you know what, we’ve got a long year. I told him: ‘Get yourself ready, get yourself healthy. Be ready. As the season goes on, things happen.’ If he’s starting to swing the bat, he’s going to help us.”