Outfielder Destin Hood returns to lineup; Marrero update in Syracuse

Right fielder Destin Hood has recovered from his wrist injury and returns to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators' lineup. Hood completed his rehab assignment with the short-season Single-A Auburn Doubledays, going 3-for-17 (.176) with a double, two walks and seven strikeouts. Hood was hitting .220 in 41 games with the Senators, but injured his wrist and had a bout with the flu that slowed his season. He has just one homer, but had 19 RBIs and five stolen bases before the time off. But his tenure in Auburn was not about numbers. It was about how the wrist would handle day-to-day normal game conditions, and indications are he is good to continue his season at Double-A. Now with his wrist healthy, this will be a good time for Hood to put a few games together before the Eastern League all-star break, which is the same time as major league baseball's Midsummer Classic. The Senators placed infielder Jose Lozada on the disabled list to make room for Hood. Right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx was transferred from Syracuse to Harrisburg and is starting tonight. At Syracuse, first baseman Chris Marrero continues to get playing time. He is hitting .296 in his first seven games back, and is batting .318 this summer across various stops as he recovers from a torn hamstring. It is obvious that Marrero is ready to return to the Nationals if they need his bat.