Nats Manager Dave Martinez Released From Hospital

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez delivered a scare to the baseball community when he was sent to the hospital after Sunday's victory over the Braves. Following the game, it was revealed the the 54-year-old skipper was dealing with chest pains and was forced to undergo a minor cardiac catheterization to help his heart.

In a reassuring update, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reported Tuesday evening that Martinez has been released from the hospital, though he hasn't been cleared to travel. In the meantime, bench coach Chip Hale will continue to manage the club's current series in St. Louis.

Dave Martinez has been released from the hospital and is feeling much better. He won’t need anymore procedures, but hasn’t been cleared to travel yet.

Rizzo didn’t want to put a timetable on his return, but Chip Hale will manage the team for the rest of this series
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) September 17, 2019

Nats general manager Mike Rizzo added that Martinez might be able to return in time for the upcoming three-game slate against the Marlins in Miami which begins on Friday, should he be cleared to travel by then.

Health obviously comes first and foremost, but something tells us that Martinez would do just about anything to be in St. Louis leading his club in a series that carries significant playoff implications.

Mike Rizzo spoke with Dave Martinez after the procedure Monday and said the manager was “upbeat” and in good spirits. https://t.co/gxu5NI0JVj
— Post Sports (@PostSports) September 16, 2019

Entering Tuesday night, Washington holds just a half-game lead over the Cubs at the top of the NL Wild Card hunt.

For now, the Nats will do business without their skipper as they (and we) hope for their boss to have himself a swift and full recovery.