James Wood is back. The Washington Nationals’ hard-hitting outfielder returned to the major league roster Wednesday after nearly a month on the injured list due to an oblique muscle injury.
Washington manager Blake Butera first confirmed the injury on Aug. 3, when the Nationals were still in the thick of the playoff hunt. At the time, Wood had amassed 30 home runs and 73 RBIs with a .265 average and .393 on-base percentage.
The 23-year-old ranked near the top of the league in strikeouts, walks and home runs before the injury.
Wood is slated to lead off for Washington and play right field.
The squad also elevated pitcher Riley Cornelio from Triple-A and designated left-hander Tom Cosgrove for assignment.
The Nationals entered Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Atlanta Braves with a 67-74 record, trailing the San Diego Padres by seven games in the NL wild card race.
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