Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel was scratched from the Opening Day lineup Thursday with what turned out to be a damaged thumb, supervisor Dave Martinez introduced after the sport. Senzel fractured his thumb throughout pregame warmups, injuring the digit whereas fielding a floor ball, according to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post. He was subsequently changed within the lineup by journeyman infielder Ildemaro Vargas.

Senzel, 28, signed with the Nationals over the offseason after being non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds. In his first 5 big-league seasons, he batted .239/.302/.369 (77 OPS+) with 33 house runs and -1.6 Wins Above (or, on this case, beneath) Alternative. Senzel is a former high prospect, having been chosen second total within the 2016 draft. The Nationals, in flip, have been hoping a change of surroundings might enliven his bat. 

For now, Senzel should wait to show them proper or not.

The Nationals intend to advertise Trey Lipscomb to the majors in Senzel’s wake, in line with Golden. Lipscomb, Washington’s third-round decide in 2022, break up final season between Excessive- and Double-A. He hit .272/.311/.419 with 14 house runs and 10 stolen bases. It is price noting that Lipscomb struck out 76 extra instances than he walked in 129 video games. 

The Nationals’ different high choices at third base included Vargas and Jake Alu, who’s already a part of their 40-player roster. For now, although, it seems that Lipscomb will get the primary alternative to exchange Senzel within the lineup.

Brady Home, the Nationals’ No. 3 prospect and a former first-round decide himself, appears more likely to debut over the course of the summer season provided that he hasn’t but appeared in a Triple-A contest.

The Nationals may have Friday off earlier than resuming their collection with the Reds on Saturday.