District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals Player Profile: Rafael Bautista

By Ricky Keeler

Mar 28, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Washington Nationals pinch runner Rafael Bautista (9) is forced out by Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) at second base during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Washington Nationals pinch runner Rafael Bautista (9) is forced out by Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) at second base during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Adam Eaton on the disabled list, the Washington Nationals called up Rafael Bautista, who could be a good speed option in center field

Yesterday, the Washington Nationals made the decision to call up Rafael Bautista when  Adam Eaton on the ten day disabled list. Last night, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network reported that Eaton is done of the season with a torn ACL:

The Nats could’ve called up Brian Goodwin, who got some Major League experience last year. But, instead, they chose to go with Bautista while Michael Taylor gets the bulk of the playing time at center field.

Before being called up from triple-A Syracuse, the 24-year-old right-handed hitter was on a hot streak at the plate. He had hits in five of his last six games, which included two three hit-games in a five day period. At triple-A, he hit .291 with two RBI’s, three stolen bases, and had an on-base percentage of .325.

More from District on Deck

When you talk about Bautista, his best tool is his speed. After stealing 26 bases amongst three different affiliates in 2015, he stayed at double-A Harrisburg all of last year and stole 56 bases in 66 attempts. Over his last 51 games, he was 17-for-20 in steals.

At the end of last season, I got to talk to Mick Reinhard from The Island Chronicles about Bautista’s season in Harrisburg. Here is what he had to say about the speedy outfielder:

"“I would put his speed more on par with someone like former Nats’ farmhand Eury Perez although Bautista is a better baserunner with secondary leads and taking the extra base. Bautista is also a skilled bunter who could easily beat out balls he was adept at placing between the pitcher and third baseman.”"

While Bautista isn’t going to hit many home runs, his speed is going to get him more infield singles when he puts the ball in play. With that being said, he did lead the Senators in strikeouts last season (94). His strikeouts have come down though to start 2017 (12 in 19 games).

If Bautista gets a chance to play at the Major League level, he could be one of those hitters that find success at the top of the order with Trea Turner. With the speed of those two players, the Nats could have a field day on the bases and give their power hitters more RBI chances.

Taylor is going to get a chance to play everyday to start off with, but Bautista is a good speed option to have on the bench late in the game for a pinch-running situation. But, as we know with Dusty Baker, if you are on the Major League bench, you are going to get a chance to play. Plus, he brings defensive flexibility with his ability to play center and right field.

Sure, Bautista may not be as highly rated in the Washington Nationals farm system as Andrew Stevenson is. But, Bautista had success in Major League spring training like Stevenson did. He hit .316 (12-for-38) with a pair of doubles and four RBI’s in 23 games down in West Palm Beach.

Next: Analyzing Impact Of Eaton's Injury

With Eaton out, Taylor has another chance. But, the talent that Bautista has could help the team in center field if Taylor struggles. With the decision to call up Bautista, the Washington Nationals made the right decision.

Home/Nationals News