This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

BROOKLYN -- As the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks took the field at Maimonides Park for pregame warmups in their navy tees, there was one player in a red Nationals shirt among the group. It was a visual reminder of the goal catcher Israel Pineda is striving to achieve.

“I work really hard,” Pineda, ranked as the Nationals’ No. 21 prospect by MLB Pipeline, said on Friday. “I lost three months. Right now, I’m doing everything. I try to be perfect. I try to be in good shape to come back.”

After making his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 2022, and appearing in four games with the Nats, Pineda prepared this offseason to contend for a spot on the Major League roster. But he sustained a right finger fracture when he was hit by a pitch during a Spring Training game on March 4, and he was placed on the 10-day injured list on March 30 (retroactive to March 27).

Pineda began a rehab assignment with the Blue Rocks on May 25. He played in only three games before he experienced another setback -- a left oblique strain. Pineda was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 19 when the Nationals placed right-hander Paolo Espino on the 15-day IL and called up righty Rico Garcia from Triple-A.

“It’s really hard,” Pineda said. “I try to take it nice and easy, don’t think too much because it’s really hard when you’re hurt two times in one year. … I try to do my job and come back soon.”

Pineda returned to the Blue Rocks lineup on July 21, where he has been tabbed as the starting catcher and the designated hitter. He hopes to be cleared to move up to Double-A soon.

“His big thing is that he has been hurt,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “A lot of it is about trying to keep him healthy. It just hasn’t happened yet, but we still value him.”

While with the Blue Rocks, Pineda also has fulfilled the role of team leader. He is a familiar face to many of his teammates, having played in High-A, Double-A and Triple-A last season in his rise to the Majors.

“It’s special, because I played last year with these guys,” Pineda said. “I try to help my teammates all the time -- pitchers, infield, outfield. When I can, I do it. That’s very special for me, to help these guys.”

The players appreciate the positivity and experience Pineda brings to the team.

“He’s been in the big leagues, so picking his brain about certain things, what to look forward to, has been awesome,” said outfielder Daylen Lile, the Nationals’ No. 15 prospect.

In spite of his obstacles, Pineda has maintained his optimistic outlook. He still is the same player who chose “Hakuna Matata” as his walkup music for its positive message. Pineda noted visiting Disney World with his family during the All-Star break as the highlight of his season.

“You know, [“The Lion King”] was my best part of Disney,” he said with a big smile. “It was fun to enjoy all the moments.”