Former Blue Jays shortstop gets hit in the face, will be out until All-Star break

Although DeJong was able to walk off of his own accord after Mitch Keller's fastball got away, he was visibly bleeding and had to hold a towel to his face. Manager Dave Martinez had said that DeJong was likely to undergo surgery, which happened on April 28th.

Now in recovery mode, DeJong is likely a month or so away from seeing any sort of action. He'll likely spend June engaged in rehab activities, which could put him on track for a July return.

DeJong's injury also throws a wrench into the Nationals plans, as Washington had signed the infielder in the offseason with the idea to trade him at the deadline, De Jong has been flipped each of the last two seasons.

In August of 2023, after an injury to Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays acquired De Jong from the Cardinals in exchange for Matt Svanson. His time was brief, going 3-44 in 13 games before being DFA'd upon Bichette's return. He was picked up off waivers by the Giants.

He was signed by the White Sox that November, who then dealt him to the Royals at the deadline last year.

While it's still possible he could be dealt at the deadline yet again, his injury timeline and recovery process will be a big factor in all of this.

With DeJong on the shelf, look for the Nationals to keep utilizing Jose Trena at third base.