This morning the Washington Nationals granted Elijah Dukes his unconditional release. The move reduces the spring training roster to 44.
The news spread around NatsTown like wildfire, fueled by speculation of an off-the-field incident. But according to manager Jim Riggleman, the decision to release Dukes was a "baseball decision" and there was no further incident.
This move opens right field up to a host of candidates, including Willie Harris, Justin Maxwell, Mike Morse and Roger Bernadina.
It's a stunning development for the talented, but enigmatic, Dukes.
It's hard to believe that the Nats would just give up on a player with the talents of Dukes, considering he's just 26 years old and under team control salary-wise.
More details when they become available. Bu tif the Nats are sticking with the "baseball decision" excuse, Nats fans, you have every right to say "Prove it."
Demand that Riggleman and Rizzo explicitly state HOW and WHY they are better off without a player of Dukes' ability.
If you didn't want him in the clubhouse, why bring him to spring training?
Puzzling.
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