Nationals' Anthony Rendon (knee) will start season on DL

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will start the season on the disabled list.

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will start the season on the disabled list after three doctors diagnosed him with a sprained MCL, manager Matt Williams told reporters Wednesday.

Rendon traveled to see renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla., for a second opinion on Monday. He went to Dr. Steven Singleton in Vail, Colo., Tuesday for a third opinion. Singleton's opinion was the same as the first two doctors'. 

"We give a second opinion to just about every player that is seen by our team doctor," GM Mike Rizzo said, according to The Washington Post.

Rendon sprained the MCL in his left knee making a diving stop in a spring training game on March 9.

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"Right now we're looking at what Dr. Andrews sees and take the appropriate steps necessary," Williams said, according to MLB.com. "Again, I have no results at this point. To speculate would be inaccurate at best. We'll see what that is. We'll get his report on what his findings are and go from there."

Williams initially categorized the injury as "mild" but said last week that Rendon could miss the start of the season "because he just simply hasn't had baseball activity to get ready."

The Nationals released utilityman Kevin Frandsen, who has experience at third base, on Wednesday.

Ian Stewart is a non-roster spring training invitee and has played the majority of games at third base for the Nationals in Rendon's absence. Backup shortstop Yunel Escobar has experience at third base but has not played there since 2007. Former third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has been moved to first base due to shoulder injuries.

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- Dan Gartland