Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. left Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning with right knee soreness.
The exit initially raised speculation about trade deadline moves, but reports clarified it was due to injury.
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According to NatsJournal. com's Mark Zuckerman and The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum, the substitution was physical, not transactional.
Andres Chaparro pinch-hit for Garcia despite facing a right-handed pitcher.
Garcia said he first felt discomfort during his first plate appearance after slipping out of the batter's box.
The tightness in his right knee worsened as the game progressed.
Before exiting, Garcia went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
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His departure came amid trade interest, including from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are seeking a left-handed power bat.
Garcia holds a . 566 slugging percentage this season.
Precautionary Move
Manager Blake Butera said pulling Garcia was strictly precautionary. He expects the infielder to return for Washington's next game against Atlanta.
The Nationals are chasing a National League Wild Card spot, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by 2.5 games.
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The front office is evaluating whether to buy or sell before the August 3 trade deadline. Garcia is under team control through 2027.
