Once situation became a "stalemate," Nats placed Rendon on IL

When Anthony Rendon took a pitch off his left elbow April 20 in Miami, the Nationals knew he was in pain. But they also believed the star third baseman, who had suffered only a bad bruise, wouldn't need more than a handful of days to make it back.

And so they kept Rendon on their active roster, electing to play with a short bench while waiting for him to heal.

Rendon did heal enough to return to the lineup Friday, a full six days after suffering the injury. But after an 0-for-3 performance against the Padres, his elbow swelled up again, so he again was out of the lineup.

And the Nationals again decided to wait a few days and play with a short bench, just in case Rendon healed without needing a full, 10-day trip to the injured list.

But once Monday came around and Rendon still couldn't pinch-hit in a key spot against the Cardinals, the club decided enough was enough and finally made the move that seemed inevitable for days. He was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to April 27, and so now he's guaranteed of sitting out until at least May 7.

Why did the Nationals wait so long? According to general manager Mike Rizzo, the evidence pointed to a faster recovery, certainly fewer than the 10 days required to come off the active roster.

"You have to balance if Anthony Rendon is going to be ready in four or five days, rather than putting him on the 10-day IL," Rizzo said. "I'd rather play short for three, four, five days than lose Rendon for an extra five days. I think that went into the decision until we felt that it was time to give this some significant time. We'll see where he's at on May 7 when he can return, and hopefully he will be ready to come back."

This, of course, isn't the first time the Nationals have found themselves facing this dilemma with Rendon. One year ago, he fouled a ball off his foot. When he still couldn't play a week later, the club placed him on the (formerly named) disabled list.

Though they knew the history, the Nats had reason to believe this was a different situation. An MRI revealed only the contusion. X-rays showed no fracture. The swelling went down (until he played Friday).

"He wanted to play," manager Davey Martinez said. "He tried to play. It didn't work out. We thought he was getting a little better. But it got to a point where it was kind of a stalemate, so we had to make a decision."

It's too early for the Nationals to know how much more time Rendon will need to heal, but given the fact he's not allowed to be activated for another week they can now afford to give him several days to rest and not try to test the elbow in preparation for game action.

"I think as much as he wanted to play, he can ease his mind now," Martinez said, "and see if we can get this thing calmed down and get him ready to come back and play and help us win."

In the meantime, the Nationals continue to field lineups missing three-quarters of their opening day infield. Rendon joins shortstop Trea Turner (fractured finger) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis) on the IL.

Tonight's starting infield includes 21-year-old Carter Kieboom at shortstop, utility man Wilmer Difo at third base, the .193-hitting Brian Dozier at second base and veteran Matt Adams at first base. Howie Kendrick, who has been playing third base in Rendon's absence, is getting the night off.

"How difficult is it? Very," Rizzo said. "Two of the most dynamic hitters in the league, and Zim is a professional RBI type of guy. You are relying heavily on your depth, and Howie and Carter have done a terrific job in their short absence so far. You can't overemphasize that these are several of your best players, most productive players. We have to find ways to win without them."