Nationals’ manager Martinez misses game after heart procedure

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez watches from the dugout during the team's baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, in Atlanta. The Braves won 4-2. (John Bazemore/AP)

ST. LOUIS — Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez had a heart procedure and did not travel with the team for its series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

General manager Mike Rizzo says Martinez had a minor cardiac catheterization Monday in Washington.

Martinez, who turns 55 on Sept. 26, experienced chest pains during Washington’s home game Sunday against Atlanta, left in the sixth inning and was taken to a hospital.

Bench coach Chip Hale will manage the Nats during the absence of Martinez. Hale said Martinez texted him Monday’s starting lineup.

First base coach Tim Bogar will be in the dugout and assistant hitting coach Joe Dillon will replace Bogar at first.

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