MIAMI – There was a noticeable change in the Nationals clubhouse at loanDepot Park this afternoon. Jake Alu had a locker and Joey Meneses didn’t.

At first, it seemed like a curious development. But it turns out to be a joyous roster move.

The Nationals announced that Meneses has been placed on the paternity list with his fiancé, Mitzy Guzman, giving birth to the couple’s first child, Joseph, today. Alu rejoins the Nats to take his spot on the roster.

“Joey went on their (paternity) list today,” manager Davey Martinez said to begin his pregame media session. “His wife's expecting, so we will find out more here hopefully soon. Jake Alu is on his way. So when we get him here, we'll make that move.”

Meneses is eligible to return to the active roster on Saturday against the Tigers.

Max Scherzer is about to add the biggest event yet to his already eventful summer. With his wife, Erica, due to give birth to the couple's second daughter Thursday, Scherzer has been placed on the paternity leave list. The transaction allows the right-hander to take three days off to be with his growing family without missing a start, and it allows the Nationals to add an extra player (Adrián Sanchez) to their bench in the interim. Scherzer has been anticipating this event all year, with a...

NEW YORK - Stephen Strasburg is heading home to San Diego for the birth of his second child and won't pitch for the Nationals in Colorado this week. Strasburg's wife, Rachel, is expecting, so the Nationals plan to place Strasburg on the paternity leave list Monday. He would be required to be activated three days later, but he's not scheduled to pitch again until either Friday or Saturday in Washington against the Mets. The Nationals are expected to promote Jacob Turner from Triple-A Syracuse...