Jacob Young: Everything you need to know

Young is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates. Joey Wiemer will receive the start in center field for Washington, but Young could be a candidate to replace Wiemer once right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski is working in bulk relief for Pittsburgh after left-handed opener Mason Montgomery exits the contest. Before striking out twice as part of an 0-for-4 night in Tuesday's 5-4 win, Young had recorded at least one hit in each of his previous five starts, including three extra-base knocks (one home run, two doubles).

Young went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's loss to the Pirates. The center fielder got hold of a changeup from Jose Urquidy in the seventh inning, hooking it down the left-field line. Young has never been much of a power hitter -- his career high in homers is three, and his personal best in extra-base hits is just 28, both marks coming in 2024 -- but he's putting a charge in the ball to begin the current campaign, slashing .289/.319/.511 through 15 games with four doubles, two home runs, seven RBI, eight runs and a steal.

Young went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Brewers. The slick-fielding center fielder is adding more value with his bat than usual. Young has hit safely in eight of the last 10 games, slashing .333/.375/.433 over that stretch with three doubles, a steal, three RBI and six runs as part of a surprisingly potent Nationals' lineup that sits fourth in the league in team OPS and in runs scored.