The Washington Nationals are still in the middle of a rebuild, but were still fairly active in the offseason. With a quarter of the season now gone, here are some grades for each of the major moves that the Nationals made, with added context:

AJ Smith-Shawver allowed only two hits and no earned runs in six strong innings, Nick Allen drove in a run with two hits and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 5-2.

With excellent chase and whiff rates, it certainly seems plausible that the emerging Nationals star will be able to keep pace with other strikeout artists such as Zack Wheeler, Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale, a group that includes both the American League and National League Cy Young Award winners in 2024 and the runner-up in the NL.

A former Vol will return to Major League Baseball. Washington recalled Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester. "The Nationals have placed Luis García Jr. on the Paternity List and recalled infielder/outfielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester," the Nationals announced.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Byron Buxton hit back-to-back home runs and Chris Paddack pitched seven shutout innings, but the Minnesota Twins' 11th consecutive victory was soured by a collision among teammates when they beat the host Baltimore Orioles 4-0 on Thursday afternoon.

Notre Dame baseball’s star catcher Carson Tinney was named as a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Award, given to the nations top player.

The Washington Nationals have enjoyed a breakout campaign for their ace and he could be playing himself into the conversation for one of baseball's big awards.