Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., who was slated to play shortstop for the Democrats in tonight’s 53rd Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game , will have to watch from the sidelines this year.  

Huffman injured his shoulder during the team’s  practice Wednesday morning. This would have been the second game for Huffman, who was elected to the House in 2012. And although he is disappointed he won’t be playing this year, he is confident his Democratic teammates will prevail.  

“The good news is we have great depth on this team and we’re not going miss a beat,” Huffman told Roll Call in a phone interview. “I’m going to enjoy being a lightly medicated spectator and cheering for my team. And I’m confident that we’re going to be very strong” The California Democrat said he is unsure who will replace him in the infield, but noted that Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and rookie Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif., would both be worthy replacements. Ryan played at short in last year’s game and Huffman said Cárdenas has practiced at the position.  

Huffman separated the joint in his shoulder and is hoping he won’t need surgery. He injured himself “trying to be 25 years old” by diving for a ball during practice and landing on the hard infield.  

The Democrats are looking for their sixth-straight win at Nationals Park Wednesday evening. They will take to the field to face their Republican colleagues at 7:05 p.m. and it’s still not too late to get your tickets .