The Washington Nationals may be facing a significant setback. Rookie outfielder Dylan Crews exited Monday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Braves with lower back discomfort. The 2023 No. 2 overall draft pick has quickly emerged as a fan favorite. He is an offensive sparkplug. He experienced pain after a check swing. This happened just after crushing his seventh home run of the season.
Crews’ injury is under evaluation, with an MRI scheduled to determine the severity. His absence, even if short-term, could impact a Nationals lineup already searching for consistency.
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Robert Hassell III, Next in Line from Triple-A
In a proactive move, the Nationals are preparing to call up outfielder Robert Hassell III from Triple-A Rochester. A key piece acquired in the 2022 Juan Soto trade, Hassell has shown solid growth at the plate and in the field. Through 2025, he’s been hitting well above .280 with strong on-base skills and above-average defense.
Hassell, one of the organization’s top prospects, could make his long-awaited MLB debut as early as this week if Crews lands on the injured list.
What This Means for the Nationals
The potential loss of Dylan Crews comes at a crucial time as Washington continues its rebuild with an emphasis on youth development. Hassell’s expected debut offers a silver lining and a look into the future of the Nationals’ outfield depth.
If Crews’ injury proves minor, Washington could soon boast an outfield featuring both Crews and Hassell, two cornerstone pieces for the franchise’s future.
