Dylan Crews, the Washington Nationals’ promising rookie outfielder, is making a careful but important return to baseball activities following a left oblique strain. On Friday, during pre-game warmups in Los Angeles ahead of the Nationals’ game against the Dodgers, Crews took part in light swings, marking a hopeful sign in his ongoing rehabilitation.
This milestone represents more than just a casual practice; it demonstrates that Crews is gradually moving closer to overcoming the injury that sidelined him since May 21. His participation in these light swings underscores the Nationals’ commitment to keeping him involved with the team throughout this recovery phase.
Recovery Journey and Team Support During Injury
Since being placed on the 10-day injured list, Crews has not only been cleared for baseball activities but also traveled with the team for the first time post-injury. Nationals manager Davey Martinez emphasized the importance of this approach, saying,
“We wanted to keep eyes on him. He’s starting to swing a little bit. It’s nice for him to travel. It’s a long road trip, so I just wanted him to be around, be in this environment. And we wanted to get him going, too.”
Martinez’s comments highlight how the team values Crews’ presence both for morale and monitoring his progress firsthand.
Despite this progress, Crews is not yet cleared to fully engage in hitting drills or defensive work, which are essential steps before beginning a rehab stint in the minors. The Nationals are taking a cautious, methodical approach to avoid setbacks, aware that the road to full recovery remains long and demanding.
Challenges Faced at the Plate During 2024 Season
Crews has faced difficulties in maintaining his usual offensive output this season. Over 45 games played before his injury, his batting averages stood at .196/.266/.354, with seven home runs and 15 runs batted in. These numbers reflect a challenging adjustment period for the rookie, compounded by additional roster strains due to an injury to center fielder Jacob Young.
As a result, the Nationals have relied on several other outfielders such as Daylen Lile and Robert Hassell III to fill gaps in the lineup while Crews recovers. This shuffle illustrates the impact his absence has had on the team’s on-field configuration.
Background: Crews’ Rapid Rise to the Major Leagues
Dylan Crews was the Nationals’ first-round draft pick in 2023, selected out of Louisiana State University, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to a Men’s College World Series championship. His swift progress saw him play just 135 minor league games before earning a promotion to Washington last season.
In 2024, prior to his injury, Crews showed promising flashes by slashing .270/.342/.451 across 100 minor league games, including 13 home runs and 68 RBIs, demonstrating his power and ability to contribute significantly to the Nationals’ offense.
What Lies Ahead for Crews and the Nationals
As Crews continues his diligent return to fitness, the Nationals remain attentive to every step of his rehabilitation. Although no specific timetable has been announced for his full return, the team expresses optimism that with patience and perseverance, Crews will be back contributing soon.
The impact of his comeback extends beyond individual recovery—it represents a vital boost for the Nationals’ season ambitions. Fans, teammates, and analysts alike are awaiting Crews’ return, hoping he can regain form and help stabilize a lineup that has struggled during his absence.
While the journey remains challenging and uncertain, each swing Crews takes in Los Angeles brings him closer to rejoining his teammates full-time. His determination and the team’s supportive environment provide a foundation for him to make a meaningful contribution once again as the season progresses.