Nationals' Escobar sidelined with groin inflammation

Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar remains out for a second straight game after an MRI revealed inflammation in his strained left groin.

Escobar, who suffered the injury Friday trying to run out a ground ball to first base, said he was encouraged by the tests, which did not show any tearing. He said prior to Sunday's series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies that he hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday.

Escobar, in his first season with the Nationals, is hitting .286/.362/.405 with a homer and two doubles through 11 games. 

It's the latest setback for the 5-7 Nationals, who continue to battle the injury bug after entering the season as the prohibitive World Series favorite. 

Regular third baseman Anthony Rendon remains sidelined with a sprained knee, while outfielders Jayson Werth and Denard Span have both missed games due to injury thus far.