Nationals vs Braves: The Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 11–5, extending their streak — but the night ended badly when Ozzie Albies fractured a hamate bone in his left hand and will miss the rest of the season. Read the full Nationals vs Braves recap, highlights, injury update, and what this means for Atlanta. (Nationals vs Braves Live, Nationals vs Braves Highlights, Ozzie Albies)
Lead — the quick take (TL;DR)
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 11–5 in Monday’s matchup, extending a late-season hot streak to nine straight wins — but the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury: second baseman Ozzie Albies fractured a hamate bone in his left hand after fouling a pitch and will miss the remainder of the season. Michael Harris II led the Braves offensively, while Dylan Crews and Nasim Nunez provided solo homers for the Nationals. This one is a win in the box score but a worrying development for Atlanta’s infield moving into the offseason.
Game recap — how the scoring went (Nationals vs. Braves)
- Final score: Braves 11, Nationals 5.
- Atlanta erupted in the third inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and batting around in a rally that produced five runs and effectively decided the game early. Michael Harris II produced a standout night — finishing 3-for-5 with three RBIs, a double, a run and three steals. Ronald Acuña Jr. also homered, and Marcell Ozuna and Drake Baldwin added multiple hits to keep Washington’s pitching staff on its heels.
- Washington had some bright spots offensively: Dylan Crews and Nasim Nunez hit solo homers, and Andrés Chaparro drove in three runs with a single — but the Nationals couldn’t overcome Atlanta’s big inning.
(For the full box score and inning-by-inning drives, see ESPN/CBSSports game tracker.)
The big story: Ozzie Albies injury update
The most important — and saddest — news from the night is Ozzie Albies exiting with a left-hand injury and being diagnosed with a fractured hamate bone. He fouled a pitch and felt immediate discomfort, then was removed from the game and later ruled out for the season after imaging. Albies had played every game this season and was a reliable run-producer and baserunner for the Braves; he finishes 2025 with a line of about .240/.320/.?? and 16 homers with 74 RBIs while playing in 157 games. This is the second significant wrist/hand injury Albies has faced in recent years (he missed time last season for similar issues), and it may influence Atlanta’s roster decisions this offseason, including whether to pick up his 2026 club option.
Why the hamate matters: the hamate bone sits in the palm/wrist area and is commonly fractured when hitters foul balls off their hands. Recovery typically requires surgical removal of the hamate hook and a multi-week recovery; hitters usually need time to recover grip strength and swing feel. Given the timing (season ending within days), Albies will not return this year; the key questions: how will recovery shape offseason training and whether the Braves exercise contract options tied to health.
Player of the game & notable performances (focus: Nationals vs Braves highlights)
- Michael Harris II (Braves) — 3-for-5, 3 RBIs, a double, 3 SB. A catalyst on offense and a terror on the bases.
- Chris Sale (Braves) — earned the win (five innings, five runs allowed) — veteran presence helped steady the rotation despite allowing Washington some offense.
- Dylan Crews (Nationals) — solo homer and a bright spot in the Nats’ offense.
- Andrés Chaparro (Nationals) — 3 RBI night, showed some middle-order pop for Washington.
For game highlights, MLB’s official highlights reel and YouTube uploads (MLB Highlights) show the third-inning rally and Albies’ exit clip.
What this win means for the Braves (standings & momentum)
- The Braves extended a nine-game winning streak, their best run since 2023, and finished the season on a surprisingly strong stretch even as they fall short of the postseason this year. The streak helps the team finish with some positive momentum and sets a tone for the offseason — but Albies’ injury casts a shadow on any celebration.
- With Atlanta not making the playoffs this season (a noted fact in several wires), the team will shift to offseason decisions: evaluating arbitration/option moves (Albies’ club option for 2026 could be impacted), and assessing the infield depth chart for 2026 spring training. The Braves also have to consider infield insurance in free agency or via internal promotions.
What it means for the Nationals
- Washington showed flashes — Crews, Nunez and Chaparro had moments — but the Nationals remain a work in progress. The series and season give the front office material to evaluate prospects, measure development (Dylan Crews is an important piece) and plan for 2026 roster construction. Washington ended the series with a loss but collected useful performance data for the younger players.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Injury context & historical pattern for Albies
This is the second consecutive year that Albies has suffered a hamate/wrist issue, which is notable because repeat injuries to the same part can affect availability and contract decisions. Albies has historically been durable and played full seasons, but consecutive hand/wrist injuries create a question mark for long-term reliability. The immediate medical path typically involves surgery to remove the fractured hook of the hamate, followed by rehab focusing on grip strength and swing mechanics. The offseason is critical for his long-term return to form.
How Braves could respond — roster options & infield depth
Short-term replacements for Albies in 2025/late games: utility/infield depth such as Nick Allen (who replaced Albies in the game) and bench pieces will get opportunities. Looking to 2026, the Braves will likely:
- Evaluate whether to exercise Albies’ 2026 club option (reports say a $7M option with $4M buyout). Health and recovery will weigh heavily.
- Consider internal options (prospects) or a low-cost veteran signing if Albies’ status is uncertain.
- Reassess lineup construction: shifting Ronald Acuña Jr., Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, and other pieces to cover offensive production while infield defense is reshuffled.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 23, 2025
Highlights & where to watch (Nationals vs Braves Live / Nationals vs Braves Highlights)
- Full highlights / condensed game: MLB.com and the Braves’ official channels uploaded highlight reels showing the third-inning rally and Albies’ early exit. YouTube MLB highlights channels also posted condensed games and the key plays.
- Live coverage & replays: ESPN, MLB Network and local Braves/Nationals broadcast partners provide replays and postgame coverage. For fans who missed the live national telecast, the MLB.tv archive and team channels post condensed games later that night.
Quotes & reactions (from press reports)
- Braves beat reporters and team releases reiterated the win but emphasized Albies’ injury: Braves announced the hamate fracture and said he will be out for the rest of the season. (Team and AP releases.)
- Nationals’ interim manager and players praised young hitters who drove in runs but acknowledged Atlanta’s big third inning turned the game. (Game recaps from AP and CBS Sports.)