Nationals two-time All-Star lands on IL amid struggles

The Nationals have placed Joey Gallo on the 10-day injured list, as the first baseman/outfielder is dealing with an AC sprain in his left shoulder, per a team announcement.  Outfielder Alex Call was promoted from Triple-A to take Gallo’s spot on the active roster.  (The Talk Nats blog reported earlier today that Call was headed to the majors, but the corresponding move wasn’t known at the time.)

Gallo signed a one-year, $5M free-agent deal over the offseason, and he has worked mostly as Washington’s everyday first baseman with a few appearances as a corner outfielder and DH.  Gallo had seen more work in the outfield since Lane Thomas went to the 10-day IL earlier this week, but with Gallo, Thomas and Victor Robles all now out of action, Call figures to get a good chunk of playing time in the interim.

No matter Gallo’s position, the offensive production hasn’t been there.  The veteran has struggled to a .122/.286/.311 slash line over 91 plate appearances, with three homers and a MLB-leading 43 strikeouts.  This 47.3% strikeout rate is high even by Gallo’s career standards, and while his 16.5% walk rate is very strong, Gallo simply isn’t making enough contact.  The rebuilding Nationals were hoping Gallo would hit well enough to be a trade chip at the deadline, yet for now, he will first have to focus just on getting healthy before he can look to turn things around at the plate.