Wilson was returned to the Nationals' alternate training site on April 9, as infielder Jordy Mercer, catchers Alex Avila and Yan Gomes, and reliever Brad Hand were activated from the injured list. The Nationals also optioned infielder Carter Kieboom to the alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and reassigned catcher Tres Barrera and reliever Ryne Harper to the "taxi squad" of available players for a series on the road against the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Nationals were swept by the Dodgers over three games, despite strong starts from Joe Ross on April 9 and Max Scherzer on April 11. In both of those games, the Nationals were shut out. In the April 10 game, a two-homer day for Soto was spoiled by a 4⅓-inning stinker for returning starter Patrick Corbin, who was activated as reliever Kyle McGowin was optioned that day but gave up six earned runs in his 2021 season debut.