Luis García Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Washington Nationals activated second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. off the paternity list on Friday and optioned infielder Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. The Nationals have yet to release their starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Baltimore against the Orioles and left-hander Cade Povich, but fantasy managers should expect Garcia to be back at second base. As far as whether to start the 25-year-old left-handed hitter in DFS lineups, that will only be for the bold. Garcia is hitting just .226 (30-for-133) in his first 38 games after a breakout season in 2024. He's also really struggled against lefties, going 2-for-20 against them with no homers and three RBI in 27 plate appearances. Garcia is hitting .184 (7-for-38) with a homer, two doubles, five RBI, two steals and eight strikeouts in 11 games in the month of May.

The Washington Nationals placed second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. on the paternity list on Tuesday and recalled infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move, according to The Washington Post's Andrew Golden. Garcia is welcoming a new addition into his family this week and is expected to miss the entire series against the division-rival Atlanta Braves before rejoining the club on Friday before their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. After a breakout in 2024, the 24-year-old has mostly disappointed in his first 38 games in 2025, going 30-for-133 (.226) with three home runs, six doubles, 13 RBI, six steals and 18 runs scored as the Nats' primary second baseman. While he's out for a few games, expect Washington to use veteran Amed Rosario as the fill-in at the keystone. Rosario makes plenty of contact and is hitting .282 (20-for-71), but he doesn't offer much else in fantasy.

Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. hit a two-run home run in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Reds, his third of the season. The 24-year-old got off to a slow start to the season but has started to turn things around recently, collecting two home runs and three multi-hit games in his last nine games played. His slash line still looks disappointing at .234/.282/.360, but he has delivered a useful power and speed combination with three home runs and six stolen bases.