Wieters is expected to catch fewer games in 2018, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This isn't all too surprising seeing as Wieters is coming off one of his worst offensive seasons as a pro. The switch-hitting backstop batted just .225 with a .643 OPS and 62 wRC+ in 123 games last year, all of which were easily the lowest such marks of his career. He did draw praise from the Nationals' pitching staff for his preparation and game management, so the hope is that he can contribute more evenly on both sides of the ball with a reduced workload in 2018. Pedro Severino will likely see an increased workload as the team's backstop, assuming Washington doesn't turn elsewhere to acquire another catcher prior to the season.

Wieters will officially return to the Nationals in 2018 after exercising his $10.5 million player option, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Wieters will return to Washington for the final year of his two-year deal. The backstop is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons as a pro, hitting just .225/.288/.344 with 10 homers and 52 RBI over 123 games. He's still viewed as the Nationals' starting catcher heading into 2018, but the team may look to bring in a capable backup that could push Wieters for playing time.

Wieters will stay with the Nationals and pick up his $10.5 million player option for the 2018 season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters had a bit of a down year during his first season with Washington, slashing .225/.288/.344 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI. On a positive note, he was able to stay relatively healthy, playing in 123 games, and will head into spring training as the starting catcher for the Nats.

Wieters is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters continues to serve as the Nationals' primary backstop, but he'll start on the bench for a second straight game as the team looks to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Jose Lobaton will take over behind the dish, batting eighth.

Wieters is not in the lineup Wednesday against Philadelphia, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters will receive a standard day off following two straight starts behind the plate, going 2-for-6 with a pair of singles during the first two games of this series. In his place, Pedro Severino will handle the catching duties.

Wieters is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters will head to the bench for the second time in the past three games after going 1-for-5 with a solo home run during Saturday's victory. Jose Lobaton will draw the start at catcher in his stead.

Wieters is not in the lineup against the Mets on Friday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters retreats to the bench after starting the past four contests, including a 1-for-3 day at the plate with an RBI during Thursday's game. In his place, Pedro Severino will handle the catching duties.

Wieters is not in the lineup against the Dodgers on Saturday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters will get the afternoon game off after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts during Friday's loss. In his place, Pedro Severino will handle the catching duties while batting eighth in the order.

Wieters is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Braves, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters will head to the bench for a breather after catching each of the previous two contests, going 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts. Jose Lobaton will draw a start behind the dish in his stead.

Wieters is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Wieters sat out Saturday, but will get an extra day off as the Nationals are using Pedro Severino as their backstop Sunday. Since the start of September, Wieters has played in just four games and gone 1-for-12 (.083) at the plate.