Paul DeJong DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals infielder Paul DeJong (nose) had sinus, orbital plate and nose surgery on Monday after getting hit by a pitch in the face against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 15 and breaking his nose. It will be at least two months, if not longer, before DeJong will be able to play again. "I will start using the C-flap helmets now to give me protection," DeJong said. The 31-year-old veteran plans to rejoin his teammates in D.C. when they begin their next homestand on May 5, but he won't be playing anytime soon. DeJong's goal is to simply be playing again before the All-Star break in mid-July. He was playing regularly at third base for the Nats before his injury, but he went just 11-for-54 (.204) with no homers, two RBI, two steals, three runs, two walks and 24 K's in 16 games, so he won't be guaranteed a starting role when he returns by any means.

Washington Nationals infielder Paul DeJong (nose) saw an eye specialist on Thursday who found no issues. However, DeJong will undergo surgery to fix his broken nose. Manager Dave Martinez didn't offer a timetable for DeJong's eventual return after he was hit by a pitch back on April 15. In addition to his injury, the 31-year-old veteran has had a rough start at the plate in his first year with the Nats, going 11-for-54 (.204) with no home runs, four doubles, two RBI, two stolen bases, two walks and 24 strikeouts in his 16 games played. Until DeJong is able to return from surgery on his nose, veteran Amed Rosario and Jose Tena will split playing time for Washington at the hot corner. Fantasy managers in deep-mixed leagues don't really have any reason to hang onto DeJong while he recovers from a scary hit-by-pitch.

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.