Washington Nationals Place Infielder Paul DeJong on 10-Day Injured List
The Washington Nationals announced on Wednesday that veteran infielder Paul DeJong has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain. The move comes after DeJong appeared to suffer the injury during a recent game, although the team has not provided specific details regarding the timing or severity of the incident.
DeJong, 30, has been a steady contributor for the Nationals this season, both in the field and at the plate. Known for his strong defensive skills and occasional power at the plate, he was brought in during the offseason to provide veteran depth and leadership to a young Nationals infield. His presence has been especially valuable for Washington, which has been focusing on the development of its younger core while trying to remain competitive in a tough National League East division.
Through the early portion of the 2025 season, DeJong has provided solid defense and timely hitting. In 15 games, he’s batting .250 with two home runs, seven RBIs, and a .758 OPS. While those numbers may not stand out on paper, DeJong’s ability to deliver in clutch moments and his reliability at shortstop and second base have been an asset for manager Dave Martinez.
With DeJong now sidelined, the Nationals will need to reshuffle their infield. It’s likely that Ildemaro Vargas or Luis García Jr. could see increased playing time at shortstop in the short term. Washington may also recall an infielder from Triple-A Rochester, depending on the team’s depth needs over the next week.
DeJong has struggled with injuries in the past, so the Nationals will likely be cautious with his recovery. The team has not given a timeline for his return, though manager Dave Martinez noted that they are hopeful it will be a short stint on the IL.
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015, DeJong made his MLB debut in 2017 and quickly became known for his power-hitting ability at shortstop. He belted 25 home runs in his rookie season and earned an All-Star selection in 2019. Since then, he has had stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago White Sox before signing with Washington.
The Nationals will continue their current homestand as they await DeJong’s return. In the meantime, the team will look to keep momentum going as they navigate through the early-season injuries.
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