WASHINGTON—Washington Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young was removed from the starting lineup before Friday night’s game against Colorado because of a bruised left heel.
Young, who began the day leading the National League with a .341 batting average, is considered day-to-day and was available to pinch hit Friday. He declined to speak to reporters before the game.
He injured his heel while running out a groundball against Houston earlier in the week, a team spokesman said.
Young’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, and a serious injury would significantly decrease his trade value. Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, however, said he’s not overly concerned about Young’s health.
“It’s a precautionary measure, that’s all,” Bowden said. “If we were in a playoff race right now, he’d be out there playing.”
Robert Fick started at first in place of Young.
