Written by Chelsea Janes at WashingtonPost.com
Before many games this season, Jose Lobaton could be seen wearing a shirt that read “Nobody Trains to be Backup.” He wore it facetiously, of course, because the Nationals hierarchy has been clear for a few seasons now: Wilson Ramos is the starter, and Lobaton backs him up — no controversy, no confusion.
But after Ramos tore his anterior cruciate ligament Monday night, Lobaton is now the incumbent, or so it would seem. Neither Dusty Baker nor Mike Rizzo would say for sure that Lobaton will be the de facto starter in Ramos’s absence.
In fact, both implied that Pedro Severino will get some playing time over the last five games of the regular season. Switch-hitting Lobaton hurt his ankle about two weeks ago, and it bothers him when he hits right-handed — something he has done 17 times all season. Severino is a natural right-handed hitter, though he is known more for his defense than for standout offensive potential.
“We’re going to see what the next couple teams bring us,” Rizzo said. “I’m sure we’re going to go with some matchups, depending on who we’re playing and who’s pitching that night. We’ll kind of take it from there.”
Lobaton’s best offensive season came with Tampa Bay in 2013, when he appeared in 100 games — a career high — and hit .249. Like most players, his track record shows improved offensive performance with regular playing time — something he has not had for the last few seasons while Ramos has stayed healthy. Lobaton is a .222 career hitter from the right side and .229 from the left, which is where he has gotten most of his at-bats this season.
“It’s not what I want, but it’s the opportunity I have to take,” said Lobaton, of the playing time he will get now. “There’s a lot of responsibility for me to do my best and to help the team win the World Series. That’s all we want.”
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