Nationals Cut Four More From Camp
By Aaron Somers
Sunday afternoon, following an 11-7 loss to the Tigers, the Washington Nationals cut four more players from their Spring Training roster. First baseman Tyler Moore and catcher Jhonatan Solano were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Mark Teahen was re-assigned to minor league camp. The fourth player affected by today’s moves, Bryce Harper, was also optioned to Triple-A. Andrew discussed his situation earlier.
Moore had a decent showing this Spring, batting .296/.286/.481 in 27 at bats over 15 games. Of his 8 hits, three went for extra bases (two doubles, one home run). Power has long been Moore’s calling card, as the 25 year old has hit 30+ doubles each of the past three seasons and mashed 31 HR each of the last two. This will be his first time at Triple-A but the promotion was an expected one. With another strong season in the minors, Moore could push himself into the conversation regarding the team’s plans at first base for 2013 and beyond.
Solano will return to Triple-A, where he spent part of 2009 and all of the 2011 season. He struggled at the plate this Spring, going 1 for 13 in 8 games, but put up relatively respectable numbers last year (.275/.325/.388 in 279 plate appearances). Aside from Wilson Ramos and Jesus Flores, Solano is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster and he’ll likely be the first option should one of the two be forced to miss any time with injury.
As for Teahen, there was little belief that he’d make a serious run at winning a roster spot after coming aboard on a minor league contract over the winter. He did little so far to warrant consideration for one, batting just 5 for 27 with 10 strikeouts in 14 games. While he was in camp on a minor league deal, Teahen had to have been hoping to make a good impression and potentially win a bench job. He’s hit a mere .234/.305/.349 with 8 HR and 39 RBI in 439 plate appearances over the past two seasons between Toronto and Chicago. It’s unclear if Teahen would be willing to accept a minor league assignment, or if the team would offer him one.