Breakdown
Performance
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July 12, 2026
Hand remains bothersome
Manager Blake Butera said Young was unavailable for Sunday's game against the Yankees since his left hand remains sore, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.
Analysis
Young missed some time in early July due to the injury, and he apparently never fully recovered from the issue despite making a couple of recent starts. Butera indicated the outfielder will likely need another 4-to-5 days to get back to full strength, so he could be ready to go Friday against the A's when the Nationals begin the second half of the season.
July 12, 2026
Appears headed for part-time role
Young is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees.
Analysis
On the bench for the second straight day and for the third time in the last five games, Young looks to be slipped into a part-time role, having provided a middling .224/.275/.369 slash line over 288 plate appearances on the season. Dylan Crews will shift over to cover Young's usual position in center field, while the freshly recalled Abimelec Ortiz replaces Young in the lineup as the designated hitter while batting third in his MLB debut.
July 11, 2026
Absent from lineup
Young isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.
Analysis
Young went 1-for-4 with a stolen base during Friday's loss and will now retreat to the dugout to begin Saturday's events. Daylen Lile, Dylan Crews and James Wood will start across the outfield with Young on the bench.
July 8, 2026
Exiting starting nine
Young is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.
Analysis
Young started the previous two contests after overcoming a hand injury, but he'll exit the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. Dylan Crews will shift over to center field for the Nationals.
