Baker on Rendon's calf injury: "He's not ready" (game canceled)

The bruised left calf that kept Anthony Rendon out of the final three Grapefruit League games continues to trouble the Nationals third baseman, and manager Dusty Baker isn't sure whether the injury will affect Rendon's status for Monday's season opener against the Marlins.

"I don't know," Baker said Friday afternoon when asked about Rendon's prognosis for the opener. "You guys want me to have that crystal ball and I don't know. We'll see. He's day-to-day."

Rendon is still bothered by the after-effects of fouling a ball off his left leg in Monday's game at Port St. Lucie against the Mets. He hasn't played since and Baker said he wouldn't have been in today's lineup for the exhibition game against the Red Sox at Nationals Park that was rained out and will not be made up.

"He's doing so-so," Baker said. "He's not playing today. ... He's not ready."

The Nationals will likely exercise extreme caution with Rendon so as to avoid a repeat of the 2015 season, when Rendon sustained a knee injury in spring training, then an oblique injury during his rehabilitation and never played or hit like himself. A year after finishing fifth in National League MVP voting, Rendon was limited to 80 games, hitting .264 with five homers and 25 RBIs.

Asked what Rendon was able to do in terms of baseball activities, Baker said "not much" - but wouldn't offer any futher details.

"I can't tell you what," Baker said. "The opposition doesn't need to (know). This ain't football."

The Nationals will probably wait until sometime Sunday to firm up their 25-man roster, but Rendon's injury could factor into their decision. Stephen Drew is the backup at third base, but playing him in place of Rendon would leave the Nats without a backup infielder and could open the door for Wilmer Difo to make the club until the team is satisfied that Rendon is healthy enough to contribute.

Rainout information: Those with tickets to today's rained-out game can visit nationals.com/rain for details.