Washington Nationals Roster
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Washington Nationals outfield prospect James Wood is a former second-round pick who was flipped from the Padres as part of the return package for Juan Soto. At 6-foot-7, he's a big-bodied prospect capable of producing impressive power. He's also a very good runner, both on the basepaths and as a defender in the outfield. He rounds out his profile with a solid hit tool, reliable glovework, and a strong arm. Wood has legitimate five-tool potential, though he needs to cut down on strikeouts. He went down on strikes 173 times in 2023. Last week, Wood went 10-for-22 with five homers, 12 RBI, four walks, and four strikeouts. He also stole a base. The Nationals have plenty of young talent in their farm system, but Wood might be the best of the bunch. He should make his MLB debut sometime this season.
Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas (knee) is doing some baserunning on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 sprain of his left MCL three weeks ago. Thomas isn't running at 100 percent yet, but it didn't look like he was at much less than full speed on Wednesday. It sounds as though Thomas is getting very close to embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment, although the Nationals could want to see him play in at least a handful of games given his long layoff. Still, the 28-year-old could return from the injured list before the end of May, barring any setbacks. Thomas was hitting just .184 (16-for-87) with two homers and 10 RBI before his injury, but he also contributed 11 stolen bases in just 22 games and was a 20-20 player in 2023. He should not be floating around on the waiver wire in any fantasy league.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is not in the team's starting lineup on Wednesday as they take on the Chicago White Sox. Abrams will get the day off against a left-handed pitcher after playing in both games of a doubleheader in Chicago on Tuesday. It's the first time that the 23-year-old emerging superstar has been out of the team's lineup since April 8. With Abrams starting on the bench, Nasim Nunez will make the start at shortstop and will bat ninth for the Nats against White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet. DFS gamers should look elsewhere at the shortstop position on Wednesday. Abrams is in the midst of a breakout campaign in his second full season in D.C. He's currently hitting .263/.326/.494 with an .819 OPS, seven home runs, seven doubles, a league-leading four triples, 20 RBI, eight stolen bases and 26 runs scored in 38 games played.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Trevor Williams continued his dominant season in Tuesday's Game 1 6-3 win over the White Sox. Williams pitched five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with two strikeouts. The 32-year-old has put together a career season, going 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA in eight starts and 41 2/3 IP. His next start will be a tough matchup at the Phillies. Fantasy managers may want to sit him despite his strong numbers.
Washington Nationals rookie corner infielder Trey Lipscomb had a great offensive showing in Tuesday's Game 1, a 6-3 win over the White Sox. Lipscomb went 3-for-3 with three singles, a walk, an RBI, and three stolen bases. The 23-year-old has provided decent average and speed this season, slashing .260/.339/.298 with one home run, 16 runs scored, nine RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 199 plate appearances. He is currently rostered in just one percent of leagues and is worth a look in deeper roto leagues.