MLB Player News

Lord will move back to the bullpen after starting the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports. The right-hander was the pitcher of record in the Nationals' 9-1 loss to the Guardians in Game 2, dropping to 1-4 after allowing three earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out four over six innings.

With Michael Soroka (biceps) due to return from the injured list Wednesday, Lord will be squeezed out of the rotation and will shift to a relief role. After taking the loss Tuesday despite delivering a quality start, the 25-year-old righty has a 4.45 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB across 28.1 innings over nine appearances (six starts). He'll likely be first in line to join the rotation the next time an opening emerges.

Merrill (hamstring) went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's loss to the Yankees.

Merrill made his first appearance since April 6 after being activated from the injured list Tuesday. He wasted no time getting back into his groove; Merrill doubled in the first inning before singling and scoring a run in the fourth. He owns a terrific .390/.422/.683 slash line with six extra-base hits through 45 plate appearances.

Soroka (biceps) will be activated from the injured list and start Wednesday against the Guardians, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Manager Dave Martinez said Soroka will claim the fifth spot in the Nationals' rotation upon returning, which will force Brad Lord to move back to the bullpen. Soroka has been on the injured list since early April after suffering a biceps strain during his first start of the season. He has since made three rehab starts in the minors, most recently striking out 11 batters across five innings of one-run ball at Triple-A Rochester.

Liberatore (3-3) picked up the win Tuesday against the Pirates after allowing one run on three hits and three walks in seven innings. He struck out eight.

During what's already been a promising start to the year for Liberatore, he delivered perhaps his finest performance of the campaign so far. The 2018 first-rounder set season highs in innings and punchouts, generating 17 whiffs in the process. Although his three walks did mark a season worst, Liberatore threw at least six frames and surrendered two runs or fewer for the fourth time in his past five outings. The left-hander owns an outstanding 3.07 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB over 41 innings in 2025, but he's in line for a tough test in his next scheduled appearance against the Phillies next week.

Skenes (3-4) took the loss Tuesday against the Cardinals after allowing two runs on three hits and four walks in six innings. He struck out six.

While Skenes matched a season high in walks, he also tied a season best with just three hits allowed. After issuing only four free passes through his first six starts in 2025, Skenes has now given up eight walks in his past two outings. On a positive note, the star right-hander has lasted at least five innings in each of his eight appearances this season. He'll take an excellent 2.77 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 47:12 K:BB over 48.2 frames into his scheduled next start, which lines up for next week in a difficult assignment against the Mets.

Montas (lat) threw his third bullpen session Tuesday since resuming his throwing program in mid-April, MLB.com reports.

After being diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain in mid-February, Montas was shut down for nearly two months before receiving clearance to start throwing. He steadily increased his throwing distance off flat ground before recently being cleared for mound work, and he's thus far avoided any setbacks through his three bullpen sessions. Montas could soon advance to facing hitters in live batting practice, but he may be a week or more away from starting up a minor-league rehab assignment. The right-hander isn't expected to be ready to return from the 60-day injured list until around early June.

Moreno has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Mets.

Moreno is stepping out of the starting nine due to a manager's decision, per Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com, so it doesn't seem like the 25-year-old backstop is battling any sort of injury. Jose Herrera will now start behind home plate and bat ninth. Moreno has gone 8-for-30 with six runs scored and three RBI over his last nine games.

Marte was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against Atlanta due to left side pain, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

With Marte removed from Tuesday's lineup, Santiago Espinal will move to third base, Spencer Steer will shift to left field and Austin Wynns will start at first base. Marte has gone 11-for-39 with two stolen bases, one home run and nine RBI over his last 10 games.

Ruiz isn't in the lineup for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

After going 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored during a win in Game 1, Ruiz will take a seat on the bench to conclude Tuesday's activities. Riley Adams will catch instead for Brad Lord and bat eighth.

Bell (groin) will serve as Washington's designated hitter and bat fourth in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Bell has been out since Saturday due to a groin injury and sat out the first game of Tuesday's twin bill, but he'll return to the starting nine for the nightcap. The 32-year-old has struggled to break out of his slump to start the season, going just 3-for-19 with a homer over his last five games.