The Nationals declined Eaton's (finger) $10.5 million team option for 2021 on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton will still receive $1.5 million as part of a buyout, and the Nationals' decision to decline his option won't preclude the team from potentially re-signing him on a lower-cost deal. Whether he returns to Washington or heads elsewhere, Eaton likely won't be in store for a major payday on the open market after he slashed a meager .226/.285/.384 across 176 plate appearances in 2020 before missing the final two weeks of the season with a fractured left index finger. The finger injury aside, the 31-year-old was at least able to stay relatively healthy the past two seasons after injuries derailed the first half of his tenure with Washington.

Eaton was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left index finger Thursday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton suffered his finger injury on a bunt attempt in the second inning Wednesday, and he should miss the remainder of the regular season as a result. Michael Taylor should see the majority of the playing time in right field to finish the season. Brock Holt was reinstated from the paternity list in a corresponding move.

Eaton left Wednesday's game against the Rays with a bruised finger, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton suffered the injury on a bunt attempt in the second inning, though he didn't exit until the fifth. The Nationals have an off day Thursday, so it's possible he'll be ready to go Friday against the Marlins. The team will assess him Thursday, though with the season slipping away, they may decide to be cautious and give him extra time to heal.

Eaton went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Despite a sore back that kept him out of the starting lineup Saturday, Eaton has two of his three steals on the season in the last two days. The veteran outfielder is having a disappointing campaign overall, however, slashing .235/.295/.399 with four homers, 17 RBI and 22 runs in 39 games.

Eaton (back) is starting in right field and batting leadoff Sunday against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to back spasms, but it never appears to have been a serious issue as he appeared as a pinch hitter and remained in the game defensively. Eaton is 5-for-14 with one home run, two doubles, five runs, two RBI and one stolen base over his past four games.

Eaton was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Braves due to back spasms, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, as the 31-year-old entered as a pinch hitter and remained in the game defensively, going 1-for-1 with a run, a walk and a stolen base. The Nationals could keep Eaton on the bench again Sunday if they want to take advantage of Monday's scheduled off day for some extra rest for Eaton, but he shouldn't miss much, if any, time beyond that.

Eaton was removed from Saturday's lineup against Atlanta for an undisclosed reason.

EDGE Analysis

Asdrubal Cabrera will enter the lineup at third base while Yadiel Hernandez takes over in right field. It's unclear if Eaton's absence is related to an injury or if he'll miss any additional time.

Eaton went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Thursday's 7-6 loss to the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton extended the Nationals' lead to 5-0 with his two-run shot of Robbie Erlin in the second. It marked the outfielder's fourth long ball on the season and his first since Aug 25.

Eaton (knee) is starting in right field and batting second Sunday against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton had missed three games across two days with a jammed knee. The 31-year-old is hitting .220/.277/.370 across 139 plate appearances this season.

Eaton (knee) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Eaton jammed his knee Thursday against the Phillies and didn't take part in either half of Friday's doubleheader. The Nationals have yet to announce a timeline for his return. Michael Taylor will be the right fielder in his absence for the third straight games.