WASHINGTON (AP) – Nationals manager Matt Williams says “there is a chance” shortstop Ian Desmond could miss a postseason game when his wife gives birth to the couple’s third son.
Before Washington hosted San Francisco in Game 2 of their NL Division Series on Saturday, Desmond said the baby’s due date is a week away, “but obviously nature can take its course prior to that. … Just kind of waiting to see what happens.”
If the NLDS goes the distance, Game 5 would be Thursday.
Desmond’s wife is in Florida.
During the regular season, a team can place a player on a paternity leave list for three days and add a replacement from the minors. MLB spokesman Pat Courtney wrote in an email that the rule does not apply to the postseason.