Washington Nationals News

Josh Bell  • 1B  •  Nationals  |  Keibert Ruiz  • C  •  Nationals

Keibert Ruiz, Josh Bell Sitting On Thursday

Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz and first baseman Josh Bell are out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Riley Adams is behind the dish and is batting eighth, while Nathaniel Lowe is starting at first base and is hitting cleanup for the Nats against Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney. James Wood is the designated hitter and is batting second. Ruiz is getting his second day off of the season after starting strong with a .317 average (20-for-63) with two homers and 11 RBI. The 26-year-old should be back for Friday's series opener in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. Bell will get the day off against a lefty after going just 3-for-27 with a homer in the last seven games. Adams has gone hitless in just two career at-bats against Heaney, while Lowe has two hits in both of his at-bats against Heaney.
2 days ago   
Mitchell Parker  • SP  •  Nationals

Mitchell Parker Turns In Fourth Quality Start

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Mitchell Parker continued to pitch well on Wednesday, tossing six innings of one-run ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Parker allowed just four hits and a walk while punching out six in this one. Although he took a hard-luck loss, this start makes it four quality starts in a row for Parker to start the 2025 season. He also has a terrific 1.85 ERA and 1.11 WHIP to go along with 16 strikeouts in 24 IP. While some regression is expected, Parker might be worth a look in deeper leagues and could make for a decent streamer against the right matchups in standard leagues.
2 days ago   
Michael Soroka  • RP  •  Nationals

Michael Soroka Throws Simulated Game On Wednesday

Washington Nationals right-hander Michael Soroka (biceps) was scheduled to throw a simulated game at PNC Park on Wednesday, his first time facing live hitters since his March 31 season debut against the Toronto Blue Jays. Soroka left his debut in the sixth inning with a right-biceps strain but was able to resume throwing around a week later and is now ready for game-like situations. If the 27-year-old's sim game went well, he will likely head out on a minor-league rehab assignment and pitch at least once (maybe twice) to build his arm up before he comes off the 15-day injured list. The Canadian allowed four earned runs in five innings in his first 2025 start but should get another shot at a starting rotation spot when he's deemed healthy. In the meantime, righty Brad Lord has replaced Soroka in the Nats' rotation.
3 days ago   
Trey Lipscomb  • 3B  •  Nationals

Trey Lipscomb Promoted To Major Leagues

The Washington Nationals are promoting infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester. In a corresponding move, the Nationals are placing infielder Paul DeJong (nose) on the 10-day injured list. Lipscomb made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .200/.268/.232 slash line across 61 games. He only hit one long ball, but carried decent fantasy value given his speed production. Across this stint, he swiped 11 bags. During the early part of the Triple-A regular season, Lipscomb enjoyed a strong start, as he held a .295/.392/.386 line across 13 games. He tallied 13 total hits, swiped two bags, and held a 7:13 BB:K. Fantasy managers should expect Lipscomb to see time at shortstop while DeJong is sidelined. He is worth adding in deeper category formats when looking for speed upside.
3 days ago   
CJ Abrams  • SS  •  Nationals

CJ Abrams Runs On Tuesday

Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams (hip) was able to run on the field prior to Tuesday's contest. Abrams was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip flexor strain on April 12 but appears to already be making significant progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could be activated on his earliest return date, April 22. Before his injury, the 24-year-old flashed his power upside as he held a .244/.289/.585 slash line with two doubles and four long balls across just 11 games. During this stretch, Abrams swiped four bags and scored six runs. Fantasy managers should expect the former top prospect to return to his typical spot at the top of the lineup when he is cleared to return. While he is out, Amed Rosario, Trey Lipscomb, and Nasim Nunez should continue to share time at shortstop.
3 days ago   
Paul DeJong  • SS  •  Nationals  |  Trey Lipscomb  • 3B  •  Nationals

Paul DeJong Placed On 10-Day Injured List

The Washington Nationals have placed shortstop Paul DeJong (nose) on the 10-day injured list with a fractured nose. In a corresponding move, the Nationals promoted infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester. DeJong suffered this injury during their victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday evening. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status while he is sidelined, but should not expect him to miss too much time. Through the first 16 games of the campaign, the 31-year-old infielder posted a .204/.246/.278 slash line with four doubles and a 2:24 BB:K. Under the hood, DeJong has generated a low .220 xwOBA with a .258 xSLG, which are both well below the average marks. While he is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Lipscomb to see several opportunities in the infield. He will have value in deeper formats given his speed upside.
3 days ago   
DJ Herz  • SP  •  Nationals

DJ Herz Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher DJ Herz (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. The southpaw sought several opinions on his partial UCL tear. However, Herz was unable to make significant progress and will now be sidelined until at least the 2026 All-Star break. The 24-year-old has been shut down for several weeks due to this injury. He entered camp competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Herz made his MLB debut and logged 88 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.16 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He struck out batters at an impressive 27.7 percent rate and generated an elite 3.26 xERA and a .208 xBA, which suggests he should see significant positive regression when he returns to the bump. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should not expect him to carry any fantasy value for at least the next 12 months.
3 days ago   
Jake Irvin  • SP  •  Nationals

Jake Irvin Tosses Seven Shutout Innings In Tuesday Win

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jake Irvin put forth his best start of the early season in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Pirates. Irvin pitched seven innings, allowing three hits and a walk with six strikeouts. The 28-year-old had been uninspiring before this start, and his season totals now sit at a 1-0 record with a 3.91 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and a 7.04 K/9 rate in four starts and 23 IP. Irvin will draw a tough start in his next scheduled matchup, having to face the Rockies in Coors Field. Irvin has provided fringy fantasy value at best this season, so the unfavorable environment makes him an easy sit decision for his next start.
3 days ago   
Paul DeJong  • SS  •  Nationals

Paul Dejong Leaves Early After Being Hit In The Face By A Pitch

Washington Nationals infielder Paul DeJong (face) was hit by a pitch by Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller in the sixth inning in the left side of his face in Tuesday's 3-0 win and had to leave the game early. DeJong was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power but had a cut on the left side of his face. The 31-year-old veteran will probably be put through concussion tests as a precaution, but it sounds like he may have avoided a serious injury. DeJong went 0-for-2 in the game with a strikeout before leaving and was replaced at third base by Amed Rosario. He probably won't be available to play on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, but hopefully DeJong won't be forced to miss extended time. DeJong has struggled early in his first year with the Nats, as he came into Tuesday's contest with a .212 average (11-for-52) with no homers, two RBI, two steals and three runs. Check back on his status on Wednesday.
4 days ago   
Alex Call  • RF  •  Nationals

Alex Call Out Against Pirates

Washington Nationals outfielder Alex Call is getting the day off on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Jacob Young will replace him in center field and will bat ninth against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller. Although Call has yet to go deep in 2025, it's been an impressive start to the 2025 season for the 30-year-old, as he's gone 11-for-34 (.324) with two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, a stolen base, six runs scored, 10 walks and only two strikeouts in 11 games played for the Nats. Young enters Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh with a .250 average (7-for-28) with no homers, a double, one RBI, one stolen base, six walks and two strikeouts in 13 games played. Batting out of the nine-hole, fantasy managers setting DFS lineups will want to ignore Young in this one. He's gone hitless in just two career at-bats against Keller.
4 days ago   
Brad Lord  • SP  •  Nationals

Brad Lord Making Another Start On Monday Against Pirates

Washington Nationals rookie right-hander Brad Lord will get another start on Monday at PNC Park and will be opposed by right-hander Paul Skenes. As a result, right-hander Jake Irvin is being bumped to Tuesday, while Mitchell Parker and Trevor Williams will go on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Lord originally opened the year in the bullpen but was moved to a rotation spot when Michael Soroka (biceps) landed on the injured list. The 25-year-old made three relief appearances to begin the year before making his first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Tuesday. Although he only threw 55 pitches and went three innings, he didn't allow a run while giving up two hits, walking two and striking out four. Lord could be allowed to go a little deeper in his second start on Monday, but he'll be a low-upside streamer for fantasy managers. He's currently lined up to start again on Saturday at Coors Field
5 days ago   
Amed Rosario  • 2B  •  Nationals  |  Dylan Crews  • RF  •  Nationals

Dylan Crews Back In Lineup, Amed Rosario Sitting On Monday

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews is starting in center field and is batting eighth in Monday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Paul Skenes at PNC Park. After a tough start to the season at the plate, Crews will be back in there on Monday to face his former college teammate at LSU in Skenes. Jacob Young will head to the bench and Alex Call will start in right field and bat leadoff. Infielder Amed Rosario will head to the bench after starting at third base the last two games with CJ Abrams (hip) on the injured list. Paul DeJong will start at the hot corner on Monday and hit seventh. Crews, the second overall pick in 2023 behind Skenes, has gone just 5-for-43 (.116) with no homers, five runs, and three steals in his first 12 games in 2025. Against Skenes, fantasy managers will probably be keeping Crews on their benches.
5 days ago   
Dylan Crews  • RF  •  Nationals

Dylan Crews Sitting Again On Sunday

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews is not in the starting lineup for the second-straight game on Sunday when the Nationals conclude a series against the Miami Marlins. The former second overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft has gotten off to a slow start to the season. Over his last 11 contests, the LSU product has posted an underwhelming .125/.146/.125 slash line with no extra-base hits and a 1:17 BB:K. As a result, Jacob Young will start in center field and Alex Call will get the nod in right field. Fantasy managers should consider monitoring Crews' opportunities as the team could decide to move him to Triple-A to continue his development. The Nationals' lineup is worth a look in DFS this afternoon, facing Miami right-hander Cal Quantrill.
6 days ago   
CJ Abrams  • SS  •  Nationals

CJ Abrams Placed On 10-Day Injured List

The Washington Nationals have placed shortstop CJ Abrams (hip) on the 10-day injured list. In a corresponding move, the Nationals promoted infielder Nasim Nunez from Triple-A. The infielder aggravated his right hip flexor during Friday's contest against the Miami Marlins. The 24-year-old was also kept out of the starting lineup earlier in the week due to a hip injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he needs to miss additional time while on the injured list. Through his first 11 games of the campaign, Abrams has held a .244/.289/.585 slash line with two doubles, four home runs, and four stolen bases. While Abrams is out, fantasy managers should expect Paul DeJong to see most of the opportunities at shortstop.
7 days ago   
CJ Abrams  • SS  •  Nationals

CJ Abrams Aggravates Hip Flexor On Friday

Washington Nationals CJ Abrams (hip) aggravated his hip flexor during Friday's 7-4 win over the Miami Marlins. Abrams injured his hip while attempting to steal second base and fielding a grounder in the third inning. The 24-year-old went 0-for-1 with a walk, stolen base, and a strikeout before exiting Friday's game. He will be re-evaluated on Saturday and is considered day-to-day for now. Abrams is slashing .244/.289/.585 with four home runs, seven RBI, and four stolen bases over 46 plate appearances in 2025. Amed Rosario replaced Abrams on Friday and would see an uptick in at-bats if he were to miss any games. Rosario is on the deep-league radar for fantasy managers searching for middle infield help after hitting .318 (7-for-22) with a home run and five RBI over seven games.
7 days ago   
James Wood  • LF  •  Nationals

James Wood Helps Nationals Rally Past Marlins

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood helped his team overcome an early 4-0 deficit to win Friday night's matchup in Miami, 7-4. Wood went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in the ninth inning off Marlins relief pitcher Luarbert Arias. His other hit was a double in the first inning, but he was stranded at second base. Wood's home run was already his fifth of the year and his fourth in his last four games. He's slashing .271/.364/.646 with a .431 wOBA and a 63.3% hard-hit rate, according to Statcast. His hard-hit rate is in the 97th percentile, and his barrel rate in the 98th percentile, so the 22-year-old is living up to the hype as one of the best young hitters in baseball so far this season. He's a great rising star to build your fantasy baseball team around going forward
7 days ago   
CJ Abrams  • SS  •  Nationals

CJ Abrams Makes Early Exit On Friday

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (undisclosed) has been removed early during Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. It's unclear what exactly happened to Abrams, but he was removed in the fourth inning due to injury. It's worth noting that he missed time earlier in the week due to a hip flexor issue. Paul DeJong shifted over to shortstop while Amed Rosario takes over at third base with Abrams exiting. Both players figure to see more playing time if Abrams is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers will need to check back after the game for more information.
Apr 12   
Nathaniel Lowe  • 1B  •  Nationals

Nathaniel Lowe Scratched With Illness On Friday

Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Marlins in Miami because he's feeling under the weather, according to The Washington Post's Andrew Golden. Lowe didn't come out for batting practice, and Amed Rosario and Riley Adams were seen taking ground balls at first base. Josh Bell will make the start at first base and will bat fifth against Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, who is making his first start of the year. James Wood is the designated hitter and is batting second, while Alex Call will start in left field and hit sixth. Lowe already has three homers and nine RBI in his first 12 games with the Nats and will hopefully be back in action on Saturday in Miami. Bell, who is an all-or-nothing hitter, is batting .091 in 11 career at-bats against Cabrera with one homer and two RBI.
Apr 11   
Alex Clemmey  • RP  •  Nationals

Alex Clemmey Fans 10 In Second High-A Start

Washington Nationals pitching prospect Alex Clemmey fanned 10 batters across five shutout innings on Thursday evening. He allowed just one hit and two free passes. This was Clemmey's second start at this level, and he has already begun to take significant steps forward. In his first start of the campaign with High-A, Clemmey allowed two runs across three innings of work. In this outing, he struck out just six batters. The 19-year-old was the headline piece acquired by the Nationals in the deal that sent Lane Thomas to Cleveland last season. The southpaw spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Low-A level and held a 4.58 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP across 92 1/3 innings of work. He tallied an impressive 123 strikeouts but served up a high 63 walks. Fantasy managers should expect him to spend most of the season at High-A.
Apr 11   
CJ Abrams  • SS  •  Nationals

CJ Abrams Homers In Loss On Wednesday

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams went 1-for-5 with a solo homer and a stolen base in a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Abrams hit a leadoff homer for the Nationals in the contest, a shot that traveled 379 feet with an exit velocity of 102.8 MPH. The veteran infielder is off to a productive start in 2025, hitting .250 with four homers, six runs, seven RBI, and three steals spanning 40 at-bats. Abrams has emerged as a quality power/speed fantasy asset over the past two seasons and continues to be a high-end option at the shortstop position moving forward.
Apr 10   
LEGEND
✕