On Tuesday, the Washington Nationals activated veteran first baseman/outfielder Joey Gallo from the 10-day injured list. The 30-year-old had been out since the middle of June due to suffering a left hamstring strain on June 11. This is one of a series of roster moves announced today by Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo. Gallo will not be in the batting lineup for Tuesday’s home game against the Colorado Rockies, but he could see some playing time off the bench.
The Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday:
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 20, 2024
· Returned from rehab/reinstated 1B/OF Joey Gallo (10-day IL)
· Reinstated LHP Robert Garcia (Bereavement List)
· Optioned OF/DH Travis Blankenhorn to Triple-A
· Optioned RHP Orlando Ribalta to Triple-A
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Nationals Slugger Joey Gallo Activated from IL
Before his hamstring injury, the veteran Gallo was having an abysmal season at the plate in his first year with Washington, going 23-for-140 with a lowly batting average of .164, five home runs, 11 RBI, and a .606 OPS. He has also struck out 71 times in 2024, showing that he has not been the same power hitter that he once was with the Texas Rangers from 2019-2021. Gallo also went on the IL earlier this season on April 27 due to a right shoulder sprain, and missed the next 17 games as a result.
While on his most recent rehab assignment, Gallo appeared in 11 games for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, going 7-f0r-34 (.206) with three homers, eight RBI, 11 walks, and nine runs. He appeared in right field for four games, as designated hitter for five games, and at first base for one game. Based on how this season has gone for Gallo, it is unknown if he will remain with the Nationals past 2024, as he only signed a one-year, $5 million contract.
Gallo has spent the majority of his career with the Rangers from 2015-2021, before moving on to short-lived tenures with the New York Yankees (2021-2022), Los Angeles Dodgers (2022), and Minnesota Twins (2023).
Photo Credit: © Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
