Nationals center fielder Adam Eaton tears ACL, out for season

Nationals center fielder Adam Eaton has suffered a torn ACL. The injury will keep Eaton out for the rest of the season.

Adam Eaton’s season is officially over. The Washington Nationals center fielder has a torn ACL, which will effectively end his season.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports was the first to report the news.

This is the worst news the Nationals could receive after he was placed on the disabled list Saturday. The injury occurred when he successfully beat out an infield single in the 9th inning of a 7-5 loss to the New York Mets. The ACL tear transpired in his left knee and caused him to leave the game immediately after he could not put any weight on that leg.

Prior to the devastating injury, Eaton was a tone-setter at the top of the Washington lineup. Over the course of 107 plate appearances, he hit a batting line of .297/.393/.462. Eaton also smacked two home runs and three steals during his 2017 campaign with the Nationals.

Unfortunately for Washington, it looks like Eaton will not be worth the price of admission following the injury. Eaton, 28, was acquired this past offseason for a hefty prospect package that was sent to the Chicago White Sox. Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning were the prospects sent to Chicago who likely have bright MLB futures.

In a corresponding move, the Nats have called up Rafael Bautista. The speedy outfielder will do his best to replace Eaton and provide depth in the outfield. Michael Taylor will likely get the chance to start every day in center following the injury. Much of the playing time at the position was manned by Trea Turner but has since been repositioned as the everyday shortstop.

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The good news for Washington is Adam Eaton has a very reasonable contract for years to come. Eaton is controllable through 2021 as his contract is worth a $38.4 million during that time.