Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel (knee) is back at the hot corner and is batting sixth for the Nationals on Thursday in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves and left-hander Ryan Kerr. Senzel fouled a ball off his right knee in Wednesday's contest and had to be removed, but the 28-year-old former first-rounder of the Cincinnati Reds will return the very next day. He has not cleared the fences in the last 22 games while hitting .231 (15-for-65) with three doubles, four RBI, 14 walks and 18 strikeouts in 79 plate appearances in 22 games in the month of May. Senzel has yet to steal a base but has decent enough power to be worth rostering as corner-infield depth in deeper fantasy leagues as the Nationals' regular third baseman when he's healthy.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) addressed the media on Thursday for the first time since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in his knee on Sunday. Acuna will go under the knife next Tuesday. "It's another opportunity. Who knows, maybe I can come back and win another MVP," Acuna said. Last year's National League MVP became the first player ever to hit 40-plus home runs and steal 70-plus stolen bases in an absolutely amazing 2023 campaign, but now the Braves and fantasy managers will be without him the rest of the way in 2024 after he tore the ACL in his other knee three years ago. The four-time All-Star and former NL Rookie of the Year can be dropped in all single-year fantasy leagues. In Acuna's absence, both Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall are in line for more playing time moving forward in Atlanta.

New York Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt (lat) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday afternoon, retroactive to May 27, with a right lat strain. Schmidt last took the mound on Sunday against the San Diego Padres and looked no worse for wear during the start. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old will be sidelined for at least two weeks as he recovers from the ailment. It is an unfortunate injury as Schmidt was in the midst of a breakout campaign. He owns a 5-3 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 67:20 K:BB across 11 starts. He has also not surrendered more than three runs in any outing this season. Right-hander Cody Morris was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as a corresponding move, but it is unclear who will replace Schmidt in the rotation at this point.UPDATE: Schmidt will be shut down at least four to six weeks, according to manager Aaron Boone.

Oakland Athletics reliever Lucas Erceg (forearm) is going to be placed on the injured list with forearm tightness, according to manager Mark Kotsay. The official transaction has not occurred yet but Erceg was already sent back to Oakland for additional testing. The exact severity of the injury should be known in a couple days. It is a tough blow for the Athletics bullpen as Erceg has pitched great as a setup man in 2024. The 29-year-old posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, two saves, eight holds and 27:8 K:BB across his first 22 innings this season. Austin Adams is the likely candidate to take over Erceg's duties in front of Mason Miller.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (thumb) started hitting off of a tee earlier this week. The 30-year-old avoided surgery on his thumb, but he had been fully shut down from swinging a bat. It is nice to see him starting to show progress in his recovery. Yoshida has not played since April 28 and is likely still weeks away from returning. He was slashing .275/.348/.388 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored at the time of the injury. It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do when he returns as their other outfielders have been relatively productive in his absence.