The Washington Nationals had a solid Tuesday even before taking the field versus the division-rival Atlanta Braves, as they began the afternoon sitting atop the National League East standings at 12-12 and then activated two familiar names.
Washington has confirmed that star outfielder Juan Soto and right-handed relief pitcher Will Harris have both been added to the active roster from the injured list. Soto slashed .300/.410/.460 with a .870 OPS, two home runs and eight RBI across his first 14 games before he landed on the IL with a strained left shoulder on April 20. Harris, meanwhile, hasn't yet debuted this season due to right-hand inflammation.
According to Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington, Soto is only available to pinch-hit versus Atlanta on Tuesday. Weyrich added that Washington designated utility player Hernan Perez for assignment and optioned right-hander Kyle McGowin to Triple-A in corresponding roster moves.
We've reinstated RHP Will Harris and OF Juan Soto from the 10-day IL.#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/keLUNZlcM0
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 4, 2021
Per Maria Torres of The Athletic, Soto may not return to the lineup until he can serve as a designated hitter playing at the New York Yankees this weekend.
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