MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot park on August 27, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
After experiencing back spasms and sitting out Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals rookie Jacob Young returns to the lineup for Sunday’s series finale.
Young will resume his position at the top of the batting order and play in center field. Manager Davey Martinez informed reporters that the promising newcomer left Friday’s game prematurely due to back spasms. Despite feeling better on Saturday and being ready to play if needed, Young ultimately did not see action during the game.
Young, who played in 33 major league games in 2023, wasn’t even ranked in the Nationals’ farm system last year. However, he climbed to the No. 18 spot in their rankings for the 2024 season while still retaining his rookie eligibility.
In the 25 games he’s played this season, the 24-year-old is hitting .311 with seven RBIs, 12 stolen bases, a .733 OPS, and a 1.0 WAR. Young ranks third in WAR on the team and second among Washington batters.
He has emerged as a vital contributor for the Nationals early in the season, excelling on the basepaths and in the outfield. Young successfully stole his first 25 bases in MLB until he was finally caught last Wednesday, and he has already saved two runs defensively in center field.
Here is the complete lineup the Nationals are fielding for Sunday’s series finale:
1. Jacob Young, CF
2. CJ Abrams, SS
3. Luis GarcÃa Jr., 2B
4. Nick Senzel, DH
5. Jesse Winker, LF
6. Joey Meneses, 1B
7. Keibert Ruiz, C
8. Eddie Rosario, RF
9. Trey Lipscomb, 3B
SP: MacKenzie Gore, LHP
The Nationals will be up against Alek Manoah, who is making his season debut for the Blue Jays. The former All-Star pitcher is returning to the majors after a challenging 2023 season and an extended rehab stint to begin the 2024 campaign.
