Nationals' color commentator Rob Dibble has been in a lot of hot water after recently suggesting that Stephen Strasburg should "suck it up" and "stop crying" about being injured. Since then, Strasburg has been forced to have Tommy John surgery, and Dibble has refused to back down, calling out "little blogs" for transcribing his comments.
In other words, it sounds like a convenient time for Dibble to take a break. After not appearing on the air in either of the Nationals' two weekend games against the Cardinals, Dibble is reportedly not traveling with the team on their six-game road trip, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson. MASN spokesperson Todd Webster said that Dibble "asked for and was granted a few days off," but didn't have any further comment.
Considering the timing of Dibble's absence, it's easy to infer that his future with MASN may be in doubt. But even if that's not the case, it's probably a good idea for Dibble to calm down and realize the firestorm his comments have created.