Washington Nationals third baseman Paul DeJong (14) leaves the field bloodied after being hit in the face by a Pittsburgh Pirates pitch during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Timeline for Paul DeJong's return to Nationals revealed

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 10:49 PM ET

Washington Nationals third baseman Paul DeJong has been out of action for over a month.

Unfortunately, his manager, Dave Martinez, recently revealed that DeJong's return to action won't happen to anytime soon, though he is making progress.

Dejong was hit in the face by a 93 mph fastball on April 15 while facing Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher Mitch Keller in the sixth inning.

#Nationals Paul DeJong hit by a pitch in the face. Replaced by Amed Rosario. Walked off the field on his own. pic.twitter.com/ynyqdh1KIn
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) April 16, 2025

He had to wait two weeks before he was even able to have surgery, because the swelling in his face was so bad. He underwent surgery on his sinus, orbital plate and nose on Monday, though, and now the Nationals have a better idea as to when he'll be able to return to play.

Patience will be involved, though, because Dejong is expected to be out until around the All-Star break, at least, which is in mid-July.

“I think he’s going to still be down for a while,” Martinez told the media on Tuesday, according to Spencer Nusbaum of "The Washington Post". “I think now they said about a month before he can actually do any activities. Hopefully we get him back sometime around the All-Star break, but we’ll see. I mean, only time will tell now. It’s just about healing with him right now.”

Davey on Paul DeJong: It's about a month before he can begin baseball activities. Hopes to get him back sometime around the All-Star break, but obviously a loose timeline given the situation. pic.twitter.com/iyTNbSPSmK
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) April 29, 2025