​ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts on third base after hitting a RBI triple in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) GettyAs the trade deadline looms, the Washington Nationals have pulled first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. from their game against the Atlanta Braves. Despite a right-handed pitcher on the mound, Andres Chaparro took the at-bat, per Nats Journal’s Mark Zuckerman.Andres Chaparro on-deck to pinch-hit for Luis Garcia Jr. against a righty, which is … odd.— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 1, 2026It turns out this has nothing to do with the trade deadline, but rather an injury. Not too long afterward, The Athletic‘s Spencer Nusbaum reported that Garcia has right knee injury soreness.Luis García Jr. left tonight’s game with right knee soreness.— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) August 1, 2026Garcia’s injury could affect the Nationals’ trade plans. Manager Blake Butera should provide an update on the 26-year-old’s status after the game.Luis Garcia Jr. Injury Looms Over Nationals Trade Deadline PlansThe Nationals are in a weird position regarding their position at the deadline. They are 2.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies for a Wild Card spot. Their position on buying vs. selling could change, depending on how the standings change over the next two days.Their previous trade offers no clarity on their overall position. It’s a rare trade of sending a controllable bat in Curtis Mead for a controllable starting pitcher in Connelly Early.Luis Garcia Jr. is one player the Nationals could move. He is controllable through the 2027 season and is enjoying a breakout season. In theory, Washington could sell high to land a good return.Arizona is one potential suitor for Garcia. The Diamondbacks are seeking a left-handed power bat as one of their. The National League’s leader in slugging percentage (.566) would be a natural fit.According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Diamondbacks have checked in with the Nationals.At this point the Dbacks have checked in with the Nats who are still determining whether they are buyers or sellers so next game or two should decide that. https://t.co/AIrHkyJZB2— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 31, 2026In addition to Garcia, the Nationals could shop All-Star left-hander Foster Griffin. Griffin will become a free agent after the season.Like HEAVY’s content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. Exits Braves Game With Injury Amid Trade Rumors appeared first on HEAVY.