had been a "failure". He rested it a few days to see if it would improve but was placed on the disabled list on May 17, having not played since May 8. On July 1, he underwent season-ending surgery, a procedure that again sought to repair his tendon sheath, as well as releasing pressure on his carpal tunnel. The Giants went on to win the World Series that year, their first title since 1954. Though DeRosa suffered from mild tendinitis in his left wrist during spring training, he began the 2011 season on the Giants' roster, though just as a reserve player. He was on the disabled list from April 28 to May 10 with wrist soreness. On May 18, 2011, he completely tore the injured tendon on a checked swing and went on the disabled list again. "Given his history, you have to consider that the injury might be career-ending", speculated reporter Andrew Baggarly. DeRosa instead reworked his swing to become more of a singles hitter and returned to the Giants on August 4. He was used mostly as a pinch hitter for the remainder of the season. In 47 games (86 at bats), he batted .279 with 24 hits, no home runs, and 12 RBI. After the season, he became a free agent. Washington Nationals (2012) On December 22, 2011, DeRosa signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. Now 37 years old, he started at several positions for the Nationals in April 2012 but batted .081 in 13 games. On April 29, DeRosa was placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain, an injury that kept him inactive until June 25. From then on, most of his appearances throughout the season were as a pinch hitter. He went on the disabled list again from August 5 to September 1 with a left abdominal injury. Despite DeRosa's limited playing time, he became an important mentor for his Nationals teammates, many of whom were much younger, including former first overall draft picks Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. In 48 games (85 at bats), he batted .188 with 16 hits, no home runs, and six RBI. Though the Nationals won the NL East, DeRosa was left off their playoff roster. However, he travelled with the team during the postseason, even reading his teammates the "Man in the Arena" portion of a Theodore Roosevelt speech to inspire them before