Dan Uggla wrapped white tape around the heel of a brand-new bat Wednesday afternoon, leaning forward in his chair and looking up as he spoke. His role with the Washington Nationals has been in perpetual motion over the past several months, offering him fewer and fewer opportunities to impact a game. But his approach, and personality, have not changed with it.
“Honestly, I’m the same dude,” Uggla said, the roll of tape still winding its way around the handle. “Whether I’m pinch-hitting or starting, that’s the only way I know how to be.”
Uggla’s role has shifted and shrunk since he signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals this winter.