Josh Bell DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals designated hitter Josh Bell went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 9-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. He also singled. The Nats and Mariners took a 2-2 tie into the top of the tenth inning when Washington would drop seven runs. Bell capped it with a three-run bomb off Seattle reliever Collin Snider that traveled 386 feet. That marks back-to-back outings with a homer for the veteran and back-to-back multi-hit efforts. Those are both feats he'd yet to accomplish in 2025, and he's been better overall in May, sporting a .233 average with four homers, one double, six RBI, and six runs scored (14-for-60).

Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell is not in the starting lineup on Saturday when they continue a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bell was dealing with a groin injury earlier in the week. He was able to start on Friday but went 0-for-3 at the plate with a strikeout. As a result, James Wood will shift to the DH spot, which opens left field for Alex Call. The veteran first baseman has had a slow start to the campaign. Through his first 32 contests, Bell has posted a modest .130/.219/.278 slash line with five home runs. Under the hood, the switch-hitter has generated a low .285 xwOBA and a .204 xBA, which are both well below the average marks. This afternoon, the Nationals are worth a look in DFS, facing St. Louis right-hander Andre Pallante, who enters this game holding a 4.75 ERA.

Washington Nationals first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell (groin) is serving as the DH and is batting cleanup for Game 2 of the team's doubleheader on Tuesday against the visiting Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Ben Lively. This will be the first time that Bell has played since injuring his groin last Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger still has lots of raw power from the left side, but he's been extremely inconsistent so far in 2025 and is typically all or nothing. Bell is hitting .139 (15-for-108) on the season with five home runs, 14 RBI and 12 runs scored in his first 30 games this year. In his last five games, Bell has gone 3-for-19 with a home run. Despite all his swing and miss, Bell has averaged 21 home runs over the last four years.

Washington Nationals first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell (groin) will not start in Game 1 of the team's doubleheader on Tuesday against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. Bell will miss another game after injuring his groin last Friday. It's unclear if he'll be ready to return for Game 2 on Tuesday against Guardians right-hander Ben Lively. Outfielder James Wood is the DH and is batting third, while Alex Call starts in left field and hits second in Game 1 against Cleveland right-hander Luis L. Ortiz. Bell, who has typically been an all-or-nothing hitter at the plate, is batting just .139 (15-for-108) on the year with five home runs, 14 RBI and 12 runs scored in 30 games played. He has 27 strikeouts and 12 walks in his 121 plate appearances. Wood has one hit in just three career at-bats versus Ortiz, while Call has never faced the Guardians pitcher.

Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell (groin) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The switch-hitting slugger was pulled out of Friday's contest due to a groin issue. As a result, Bell will take a seat on Saturday as well, but he's not expected to be placed on the injured list. The Nats are just going to be cautious and give him a little time to rest and recover. In his absence, James Wood will serve as the designated hitter while Alex Call moves into the outfield on Saturday.