Washington Nationals: Brian Goodwin Stepping Up In September

With all the rough moments in last night’s Washington Nationals loss, Brian Goodwin did drive in two runs

Last night was not a great one for the Washington Nationals to say the least. In a game they lost 14-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, catcher Wilson Ramos left the game in the sixth inning due to an apparent leg injury. While the Nats await word on the injury, it appears to be serious and it looks as if Ramos’ postseason status is in doubt.

However, if there was one positive from last night’s blowout loss, it was the play of right fielder Brian Goodwin. Goodwin, who is filling in for Bryce Harper (thumb injury), went 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBI’s. He was taken out of the game in the eighth inning for Michael Taylor.

This September, Goodwin is 7-for-18 (.389) with five extra-base hits (four doubles) and three RBI’s. His first walk of his career came in the fourth inning when he came back from 0-2 count against Archie Bradley to draw the walk and get another run on the board.

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In Goodwin’s three at-bats last night, the 25-year-old saw 17 pitches. He got the Washington Nationals on the board first in the bottom of the second with a RBI triple down the right field line that scored Stephen Drew.

The 17 pitches are interesting because Goodwin has only seen 80 pitches this month (third fewest of any Nats position player). Down in the minors, he had 46 walks this season (second on Syracuse).

While Goodwin has only played in 17 Major League games, he has made a good impression on the Washington Nationals and manager Dusty Baker. Last week, Baker said that Goodwin has a good chance to be on the postseason roster when the NLDS begins next Friday:

If Goodwin can keep putting up good performances over the next few days while Harper’s out, the first round pick in 2011 can be a good bench player in the playoffs. Another thing that works in Goodwin’s favor is his versatility in the outfield when you consider he has played all three of the outfield positions.

Next: Solis Back In The Nats Bullpen

It’s been a long road to the Major Leagues for Goodwin, but he’s here now and taking full advantage of his opportunity for the Washington Nationals. After a good season at triple-A Syracuse (.280, 14 home runs, 68 RBI’s, 15 stolen bases), he has carried that success over to the Major Leagues and it has been fun to watch.