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The Washington Nationals will likely be without third baseman Paul DeJong until the All-Star break, according to Spencer Nusbaum of the Washington Post. This news is disconcerting as the Nationals are battling a slow start in a tightly contested NL East.
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Not only does this hamper the Nationals’ chances of rebounding and competing in a tight National League, but it also hurts the Nationals’ ability to trade him and receive assets in return. DeJong is a likely trade candidate this summer, not only for his team-friendly contract of just $1 million, but the value his power brings on the field.
DeJong was traded at the midway point of last season from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals. In Chicago, DeJong amassed 18 home runs, but his power dipped at the larger Kauffman Stadium. With no home runs hit in the beginning of this season, it will be difficult for the Nationals to move him at the deadline if he does not come out of the gates hot upon returning from injury.
The scary incident when DeJong got hit in the face caused a fractured nose. There is a chance DeJong returns earlier than the All-Star break, but manager Davey Martinez told reporters, “I think now they said about a month before he can actually do any activities.”
For now, it seems as if the market has cooled for DeJong, but with a hot start upon return from injury, DeJong could land with a contender on deadline day.
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