It’s the first time in his major league career that the two-time all-star is on the IL. Andrew Pinckney will be called up from Class AAA to replace him.
Read more Democrat exits Senate race in South Dakota, clearing way for independent
PHILADELPHIA — The Washington Nationals are placing two-time all-star James Wood on the injured list for the first time in his major league career.
Wood suffered a mild left oblique strain on a swing in the top of the seventh inning of Monday night’s 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He remained in the game initially because running and throwing felt fine, he said, but when he tried to take a couple of swings, something didn’t feel right.
Wood had an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed the strain. The team is hopeful it will be a short stint on the injured list.
“I was actually pretty happy,” manager Blake Butera said of the results. “Anytime someone feels their side on a swing, I haven’t been around many where the results came back this good. There’s been some obliques that people have missed three, four months because of these things. … So the fact I heard the doctor had to really look for it to find it is a good thing.”
Andrew Pinckney will be recalled from Class AAA to replace Wood. Pinckney’s first appearance will be his MLB debut.
Read more Live updatesKey midterm primary elections kick off in 5 states
The call-up is a long time coming. Pinckney, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB draft, has been with the Rochester Red Wings since midway through the 2024 season. He was hitting .271 with a .770 OPS and can play all three outfield positions.
“He’s earned an opportunity, so he’s a great guy, and he works hard,” Wood said. “Obviously I’ll be rooting for him and super excited for him.”
Wood’s injury is another blow for the Nationals’ offense after a six-game losing streak. The team traded away Curtis Mead and Luis García Jr., two of their top contributors, and will now be without Wood, one of the best hitters in the league, for at least the next 10 days. Wood, who has played in every game this season, was hitting .265 with 30 home runs.
He’s still able to work out as long as he’s not aggravating the strain, Wood said, which should help him stay in baseball shape.
“Obviously, it’s not what you want to hear,” he said. “But I feel like I’m in good hands here. So hopefully, once we get off, we’ll be in better shape.”
Read more Who’s winning in California v. Trump lawsuits so far?
