Thames (calf) is expected to serve as a designated hitter in one of Saturday's split-squad games, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thames has been limited by left calf tightness early on in spring training, but he's been fielding grounders and taking batting practice this week. Assuming Thames is able to bat as expected Saturday, game action at first base figures to follow shortly thereafter.

Thames has been dealing with a tight left calf and is expected return to game action this weekend, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old has been fielding grounder and taking batting practice at the team facility as of late, but manager Davey Martinez doesn't want to push the veteran too hard this early in camp. Thames finished his 2019 campaign in Milwaukee hitting .247/.346/.505 with 25 home runs, 67 runs scored and 61 RBI across 459 plate appearances. The left-handed power hitter is expected to enter Opening Day in a platoon role with Ryan Zimmerman at first base. Thames has hit a total of 63 home runs during the past three seasons against righties, compared to just 9 versus southpaws.

Thames signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Nationals on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The deal also includes a mutual option for a second season. The 33-year-old hasn't been able to keep up the incredible numbers he posted in his first month back in major-league baseball in 2017, but his .247/.346/.505 slash line with 25 homers for the Brewers last season was certainly respectable. His arrival in Washington complicates the team's infield picture. Howie Kendrick had appeared to be the primary option at first base but will likely now also take playing time from Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera at second and third. Thames can also play the outfield corners.

Thames' $7.5 million team option for 2020 was declined by the Brewers on Monday, making him a free agent.

EDGE Analysis

The 32-year-old hit .247/.346/.505 with 25 home runs and 61 RBI in 2019, so the move comes as a bit of a surprise, especially after Jesus Aguilar was traded at the end of July. Thames has had slightly inconsistent production over his career, but he has above-average power numbers, although that also results in a high number of swings and misses.

Thames went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Thames' only hit of the night was a big one, opening the scoring with the long ball off Rockies starter Chi Chi Gonzalez. This is the second time Thames has reached the 25-homer plateau. The first baseman has added 61 RBI and 67 runs scored in 148 games this year.

Thames (hamstring) is starting at first base and hitting fifth Friday night against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Thames was lifted from Thursday's contest with bilateral hamstring discomfort, but the Brewers stated after the game that his removal was precautionary. He'll be right back in the mix for Friday's series opener.

Manager Craig Counsell said there's no concern regarding Thames' hamstring cramps, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thames exited Thursday's game prior to the second inning with bilateral hamstring discomfort, though it sounds like his removal was more precautionary. His legs have apparently been bothering him for a while, so the Brewers didn't want to take any chances. Thames should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rockies.

Thames exited Thursday's game against the Reds with bilateral hamstring discomfort.

EDGE Analysis

It's worth noting that Thames told reporters prior to Thursday's game that he was dealing with some notable aches and pains, per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The first baseman should be considered day-to-day; he'll likely undergo further evaluation before the Brewers determine his status for the team's final series of the regular season.

Thames (undisclosed) exited Thursday's game against the Reds in the second inning, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear what forced Thames' early exit, though he said he prior to the game that he was dealing with some notable aches and pains, per Haudricourt, and appeared to tweak his hamstring in Wednesday's contest. Yasmani Grandal took over at first base for Thames, with Manny Pina entering the game to play catcher.

Thames went 2-for-5 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Thames took Mahle deep in the first inning to record his 24th homer of the season. He's delivered production in bunches of late, smacking three home runs and scoring four runs in his last three starts. Despite spending much of the season as a part-time player, Thames has racked up 60 RBI and 65 runs scored to go along with his 24 long balls in 447 plate appearances.