Sanchez discharged from hospital, Bautista called up

Adrian Sanchez appears to have avoided serious injury or health issues after getting hit in the chest by a fastball during Saturday's game.

Sanchez received a CT scan at a local hospital and was kept overnight to monitor his breathing. He was discharged this morning and is "doing well," according to a Nationals spokeswoman. The 27-year-old infielder remains on the active roster, though he wasn't seen in the clubhouse this morning while reporters were present, and he's not in the lineup for the opener of today's doubleheader against the Mets.

Sanchez was attempting to bunt in the bottom of the eighth Saturday when Jeurys Familia's 97 mph fastball came in high and tight. Sanchez was unable to get out of the way (or get the bat on the ball) in time and took the pitch directly off his chest, falling to the ground.

After an examination and long chat with head athletic trainer Paul Lessard, he made his way to first base, only to be informed he had to go back to the plate because a strike actually had been called because he never pulled his bat back from the bunt attempt. Sanchez then delivered an RBI single to left field, earning a standing ovation from the crowd, but was pulled for a pinch-runner after he showed evidence he still was dealing with chest pain.

Sanchez underwent tests at Nationals Park, then was taken to the hospital for the CT scan. He remained there overnight for monitoring but was cleared to leave this morning and rejoin the team.

Whether Sanchez plays at any point today remains to be seen, but the Nationals' roster maneuvering suggests they don't expect him to be available.

In addition to promoting Erick Fedde to serve as the 26th man for the doubleheader and start this afternoon's opener, the Nationals optioned right-hander A.J. Cole to Triple-A and recalled outfielder Rafael Bautista from Syracuse.

Bautista was thrown directly into the lineup, starting in right field and batting eighth. With Sanchez still recovering from Saturday's incident and the Nats not wanting to start Daniel Murphy in both games of the doubleheader, manager Dusty Baker has Howie Kendrick at second base for the opener. And with left-hander Tommy Milone on the mound for the Mets, both Adam Lind and Andrew Stevenson are sitting for matchup purposes. That leaves Alejandro De Aza in left field and created an opening in right field for Bautista.

This is Bautista's second big league stint this season. The 24-year-old appeared in five games in late April and early May, going 1-for-8 with a walk and a strikeout. He wound up missing more than two months this summer with a significant right hamstring strain but returned for a rehab assignment in the rookie Gulf Coast League on Aug. 1 and rejoined Syracuse's active roster Monday.