WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki was a surprise star from Game 2 of this World Series on Wednesday night, hitting the go-ahead home run to go along with an array of spectacular blocks over the first two-plus games against the Astros. Despite sustaining an injury during Game 3, he will remain on the roster.

Suzuki was removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of Washington's 4-1 loss on Friday night at Nationals Park, a half-inning after suffering a right hip flexor injury. After going to the ground to his right to corral a 3-2 changeup in the dirt from Fernando Rodney, Suzuki was examined by the Nats¡¯ training staff before completing the defensive inning.

When Suzuki¡¯s spot came up to lead off the bottom of the frame, he was lifted for Gerardo Parra.

¡°It felt like I would be doing a disservice to the team if I was still playing,¡± Suzuki said. ¡°It¡¯s one of those things where you try to fight through it and I could have, but it wouldn¡¯t have been helping the team.¡±

Strength tests from the Nationals¡¯ medical staff came back positive after Suzuki left the game, and manager Dave Martinez said an MRI taken on Saturday had to show enough for the club to keep the catcher on the roster. Yan Gomes, who had been paired with Patrick Corbin behind the plate all season, started Game 4.

Though Suzuki largely split catching duties with Gomes this season, he has started eight of Washington¡¯s 12 games this October, including all three World Series contests. Suzuki was not sure about his status after the game, but he remained hopeful he would be back in the lineup later in the series.

¡°Obviously, you try to stay positive,¡± Suzuki said on Saturday. ¡°It¡¯s not like you can wait till next series.¡±