The Washington Nationals have reinstated veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the 15-Day DL says a Press Release from the organization. "Pudge" has been on the disabled list since July 7th with a strained right oblique. From the Press Release:
Rodriguez missed the last 47 games after being placed on the DL on July 8, retroactive to July 7, with a right oblique strain. The 39-year-old is batting .214 with seven doubles, two home runs, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored in 39 games this season with Washington.
In four games during his rehab assignment, Rodriguez hit .250 (3-for-12) with a double, one home run, one RBI and three runs scored with Potomac of the Single-A Carolina League and Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League.
Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
Rodriguez just finished up rehabbing with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators and catching Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg's final rehab start this past Thursday. The Nationals will now have to decide what exactly what they are going to do with Rodriguez and the two other catchers on the roster, Wilson Ramos and Jesus Flores. Flores, will probably be the odd man out.
Pudge's return can be viewed as only a positive for the team. While Rodriguez might not light up the world with his bat and glove these days, he still has some kick and is a comforting clubhouse presence.