Star prospect James Wood's potential MLB debut with the Nationals faces a setback as he deals with a minor right hamstring injury, impacting his call-up timeline. Meanwhile, Lane Thomas of the Nationals is set for a re-evaluation after a Grade 2 MCL sprain, possibly signaling his return from the injured list. On the Orioles' side, pitching depth concerns arise with key players like John Means and Dean Kremer landing on the injured list recently, while Tyler Wells' recovery from elbow inflammation sees a setback requiring more time before his return. Unfortunately, Nathan Webb of the Orioles will miss the entirety of the 2024 season due to left Achilles tendon surgery after previously undergoing Tommy John surgery, with his focus now shifting to readiness for Spring Training 2025.

By the Numbers
  • James Wood has a batting line of .355/.465/.596 with nine homers and 10 steals in Triple-A Rochester.
  • Lane Thomas had a slow start to the season with a .184/.250/.253 line over 96 plate appearances.
  • Tyler Wells boasts a 3.93 ERA over 222 1/3 innings for Baltimore in the last two seasons.
  • Nathan Webb, who has yet to make his MLB debut, has a 6.11 ERA over 268 minor league innings in the Royals' farm system.
Yes, But

The injuries to key players like Wood and Webb raise concerns about the depth and readiness of the Nationals and Orioles' rosters moving forward.

What's Next

Recovery timelines for players like Wood and Wells will determine the teams' strategies and potential adjustments to cope with the absences in their lineups.

Bottom Line

Injuries to pivotal prospects and pitchers pose challenges for the Nationals and Orioles, emphasizing the importance of depth and preparedness in navigating the ongoing MLB season.