Paul DeJong, former Cardinals and current Nationals infielder, is expected to be sidelined until around the All-Star break as he recovers from a fractured nose, according to The Washington Post.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez said it could be about a month before DeJong is even able to resume physical activity. The injury happened on April 15, when DeJong was hit in the face by a 93 mph fastball from Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller, causing a serious gash on his nose and under his left eye.
DeJong was placed on the 10-day injured list the next day, and on April 28, he underwent surgery to repair damage to his sinuses and orbital plate. Martinez noted that it’s now a matter of letting him fully heal, with hopes he’ll return by midseason.
Before the injury, the 31-year-old was off to a slow start, batting just .204 with 24 strikeouts in 57 plate appearances. Despite hitting 24 home runs last season with the White Sox and Royals, he also had a career-high 156 strikeouts.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66416025/1208660945.jpg.0.jpg)
The Nationals signed DeJong to a 1-year, $1 million deal in February. In his absence, José Tena has filled in at third base, while top prospect Brady House could also be an option—he’s hitting .292 with five homers in Triple-A.
