Nationals’ Nick Senzel breaks thumb in warmups ahead of opening day: ‘It’s awful’

The Washington Nationals named utility player Nick Senzel the starter for the season opener. However, the starting third baseman’s scheduled debut in Washington was put on hold after Senzel fractured his right thumb during pregame warmups.

Senzel injured his thumb while fielding a grounder during batting practice. Senzel appeared on the field immediately after the game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The game also marked Senzel’s return to action against the team he played for the first five seasons of his MLB career.

Senzel signed a one-year contract with the Nationals in the offseason.

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Senzel hit a career-high 13 home runs and had 42 RBIs last season.

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Nationals manager Dave Martinez called Senzel’s injury “hurt.”

“The hit right before the game today really hurt,” Martinez said after the game. “That was kind of a bad situation. He took a bad hop during BP.”

Nick Senzel of the Washington Nationals stands at bat during the bottom of the second inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets on March 15, 2024 at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Getty Images)

Senzel was undergoing an X-ray near the visitors clubhouse while his teammates were being announced to the crowd.

“It’s terrible,” Martinez added. “He was in a good position and we were in a good position with him. He was excited for today but it was just a freak accident. We will miss him. But he will work hard to come back as soon as possible. “

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The Reds defeated the Nationals in their season opener on Thursday. Both teams have Friday off, with three straight games resuming on Saturday.

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