Giving LaRoche more than the night off now a good call

Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche was taken out of Monday's matchup against the Dodgers with a recurring back issue. LaRoche told reporters the back had been barking for a while. "It's been tight for a while," LaRoche said. "Last couple days, it's gotten tighter late in the game. In the fourth, fifth inning, it starts really tightening up from just standing around. I've had it before. I hope it's quick, a day or two. But again, you never know." It might be a good time to rest LaRoche. Assuming LaRoche misses tonight's matchup with the Dodgers against the formidable Clayton Kershaw, manager Matt Williams could also sit him for the getaway afternoon day game Wednesday. Williams has done this in the past, recognizing the Nationals have a day off Thursday. That would give LaRoche three full days off for therapy on the back so that he might be ready for Friday's home game against the Phillies and the start of a six-game homestand. Kevin Frandsen, Tyler Moore or Steven Souza are possible candidates to sub for LaRoche. The Nationals love LaRoche's lefty bat against right-handers, but the veteran is just 1-for-23 during the road trip. And with expanded rosters, there is no need to push LaRoche to return or place him on the 15-day disabled list. The Nationals have plenty of time to get LaRoche rest and healthy before hopeful October baseball. It is critical for the Nationals to have a lefty of LaRoche's experience, coupled with his outstanding defense, to have success in must win series that might be on the horizon. He not only provides offense and defense for the team, but also is a calming influence in the clubhouse, helping guys understand what they need to do to win big games in October and how not to panic when there is a small setback or two. LaRoche needs to get his rest and get his back right because the schedule is not kind for quick road trips before September 28. The Nationals have another three-city whirlwind tour which begins September 11 and runs to September 21. That trip involves New York, Atlanta and Miami, tough indeed, but at least doesn't involve 5 and 1/2 hour coast-to-coast flights like their current spree. The Nationals have the roster depth to rest LaRoche for three days or more, or even do it on that later trip. It is important to not have this back issue interfere with their bigger plans. Let Moore, Frandsen and Souza do some heavy lifting, that's what they need anyway -- playing time, then welcome LaRoche back Friday.