James Wood returns to Nationals’ lineup, breaks up Atlanta’s no-hit bid

For the first time in over a month, GoldLink’s “Crew” blared over the public-address speakers before the Nationals’ first at-bat.

That walk-up song signaled the return of All-Star right fielder James Wood, who went on the injured list Aug. 4 with an oblique strain. He played two rehab games with Double-A Harrisburg to face live pitching and felt good enough physically after Tuesday’s game to return to Washington’s lineup.

“It’s been fun cheering them on, seeing some guys make some strides, and just happy to be back,” he said before Wednesday’s 9-0 loss. Wood was 1-for-4 and broke up the Braves’ no-hitter in the sixth inning. He exited in the ninth inning because the score was out of reach.

“I thought his swings looked good,” manager Blake Butera said. “I thought he was moving around well.”

Wood emphasized how hard he worked to return to the lineup. It’s important to him to finish 2026 strong after a stellar first half, particularly after he slumped to end the 2025 season. He posted a .690 OPS in the second half, with a 39% strikeout rate.

Though it didn’t show in Wednesday’s result, adding Wood to the mix is big for a Nationals team that has been less consistent on offense.

“We didn’t score any runs, but there were definitely good vibes, good feelings knowing that Woody was back,” Butera said. “He’s such a tremendous player. Anytime you’re missing somebody like that, it hurts and it’s tough. So to have him back was really nice.”

Oblique injuries are tricky — they have to be treated with caution because the chance for reinjury is high. After Wood suffered the injury, Butera said he felt encouraged that doctors had to search the MRI to locate the strain.

Sitting out the rest of the year wasn’t an option for Wood.

“I feel like it’s my job to try and be out here and play to the best of the best of my abilities,” he said. “There’s still games on the schedule, [so] I’m gonna be fighting to play.”

A minimum injured list stint seemed likely, but the lingering effects led to Wood missing almost a month. His absence, particularly at the leadoff spot, was felt. Wood’s prodigous power draws attention, but it’s his ability to be patient and draw walks that makes him a feared hitter.

Penciling Wood in at the top of the lineup is a luxury for Butera. Entering Wednesday, Wood led the Nationals in homers (30), runs scored (100) and walks (90). Neither All-Star CJ Abrams nor Daylen Lile — both formidable hitters — could replicate the complete package that Wood brings to the table.

“They’ve been battling,” he said of his teammates. “I mean it’s obviously baseball, so it’s gonna be ups and downs. But I mean I feel like there’s been some good stretches and some not so good stretches, and I feel like they’ve been bouncing back from the rough stretches pretty well.”

The Nationals (67-75) have 20 games left in the season. Whereas last year much unknown awaited the franchise in the offseason, this could be the beginning of a playoff window for the Nationals. With Wood and Abrams on the roster, the Nationals have two players who haven’t reached their prime yet.

Cade Cavalli has ascended in what’s essentially his first major league season, and Lile is recapturing the form that allowed him to have a spectacular end to his rookie season. The pitchers will need to make strides, but the roster isn’t devoid of talent.

“There’s always something to play for,” Wood said. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs this season, but just being able to finish on a high note and carry that into next year would be would be huge.”

This article has been updated.