Nationals' Dylan Crews Avoids Serious Thumb Injury

Promising outfielder's X-rays come back negative after spring training incident

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews, the team's top prospect, avoided a serious thumb injury after being hit by a pitch during spring training. Crews' X-rays were negative, and he is considered day-to-day with a thumb contusion. The 24-year-old missed significant time last season due to an oblique strain, and the Nationals are hoping he can stay healthy and produce this year as they continue their rebuild.

Why it matters

Crews is a key part of the Nationals' future plans, and the team needs him to stay on the field and develop as a core player. After a disappointing 2025 season, the Nationals are relying on Crews and other young talents to lead them back to contention, so avoiding a long-term injury is crucial.

The details

Crews was scratched from the Nationals' lineup on Sunday after being hit in the thumb by a pitch during Saturday's live batting practice. However, further testing revealed no serious damage, and he is now considered day-to-day with a thumb contusion. Crews, the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, struggled with injuries last season, missing nearly three months due to an oblique strain. He hit just .208 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in 85 games.

  • Crews was hit by the pitch on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • He was scratched from the Nationals' lineup on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Dylan Crews

A 24-year-old outfielder and top prospect in the Washington Nationals organization.

Washington Nationals

The Major League Baseball team based in Washington, D.C. that is currently rebuilding after a disappointing 2025 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Crews' X-rays were negative, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, and he is now considered day-to-day with a thumb contusion.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Nationals will continue to monitor Crews' thumb injury and determine when he can return to the field. His health will be crucial as the team looks to develop its young core of players.

The takeaway

This injury scare for Dylan Crews is a relief for the Nationals, who are counting on the young outfielder to be a key part of their rebuilding efforts. Avoiding a serious thumb injury means Crews can focus on getting healthy and preparing for a crucial 2026 season as Washington looks to get back on track.