Washington Nationals DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.