The Washington Nationals are making headlines this week. There are some big changes happening with their roster.
According to reports, the Nationals plan to call up outfield prospect Robert Hassell III to the Major League roster. This move comes just as rookie outfielder Dylan Crews faces an MRI for pain in his lower left back.
Jacob Young, another starting outfielder, is also day-to-day with a sore left shoulder. As the Nationals get ready for their next games, fans are wondering how these changes will shake up the team’s performance.
The Promotion of Robert Hassell III
Robert Hassell III, currently with Triple-A Rochester, is expected to join the Nationals soon. Hassell, 23, has impressed in the minors, batting .288 with a .742 OPS and four home runs in 2025.
He’s quick on the bases, too. Scouts give him a 60-grade running tool, and he’s swiped nine bags in 43 games this season.
Background and Career Highlights
Hassell’s name probably sounds familiar to Nationals fans. He came over in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022.
The Nationals picked up CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore in that same deal. Hassell was the Padres’ eighth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and has climbed the ranks since then.
MLB Pipeline now ranks him No. 11 in the Nationals’ farm system. Manager Dave Martinez will likely slot Hassell toward the bottom of the lineup, hoping his speed can spark something.
Dylan Crews’ Injury Concerns
The Hassell news is exciting, but the timing is tricky with the outfield banged up. Dylan Crews, the rookie outfielder, is set for an MRI after feeling pain in his lower left back during a swing.
Apparently, Crews has been dealing with this issue since the Nationals’ last matchup with the Braves. The team hasn’t offered a clear timeline for his return, and back injuries can be pretty unpredictable, especially for a guy who relies on speed.
Crews started the season slow but found his groove in May. Now, his setback leaves the Nationals in a tough spot with other injuries piling up.
Jacob Young’s Day-to-Day Status
Jacob Young’s sore left shoulder just adds to the outfield headaches. He’s listed as day-to-day, but every missed game counts with the schedule heating up.
Adjusting the Lineup
With both Crews and Young possibly out, the Nationals have to lean on their depth. Hassell’s promotion could not be better timed, honestly.
His speed and glove will be needed to cover for the injuries. Manager Dave Martinez faces some tough choices—he’ll have to shuffle the lineup and see who can step up.
Looking Ahead
The next few games will be telling. Hassell’s debut and the status of Crews and Young are the big stories to watch.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans are buzzing about seeing Hassell in the big leagues. He’s been tearing it up in the minors, so there’s a lot of hope he can bring that same energy to Washington.
Still, there’s real worry about how Crews’ injury could derail things. The Nationals’ fan base is passionate—they’ll be needed more than ever as the team tries to weather this rough patch.
Conclusion
The Washington Nationals find themselves at a pivotal point in their season. Roster changes and injury concerns are shaping their path forward.
Robert Hassell III’s promotion brings some hope and a bit of excitement. Meanwhile, injuries to Dylan Crews and Jacob Young throw up some real challenges for the team.
As the Nationals keep fighting, they’ll need to adapt and make some sharp decisions. Fans are definitely paying attention, probably holding their breath to see how all this plays out. For more details, check out the full story on the Sports Illustrated website.
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