Washington Nationals Minor Leagues: Players Of The Week (6/8-6/14)

(Photo Credit: MILB.com)

Syracuse Chiefs (20-44)

 Hitter Of The Week: SS Jason Martinson (.239, 9 HR, 23 RBI’s)

This season, Martinson has been one of the best players on this Chiefs team. This weekend, against the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Indians), he went 6-for-17 at the plate. Out of those six hits, two of them were home runs.

Both solo home runs came on Sunday In Syracuse’s 7-4 win. Keep in mind this was during a doubleheader, so he hit two home runs during a seven-inning game. The 26-year-old shortstop has three home runs in 14 games, tying the most he has hit in a given month this season. His nine home runs and 23 RBI’s lead the Chiefs in both categories.

Honorable Mention: RF Caleb Ramsey (.289, 2 HR, 20 RBI’s)

This season, Ramsay has had playing time in both triple-A and double-A Harrisburg. This week, the 26-year-old right fielder went 7-for-21 at the plate with five RBI’s. His best game of the week came on June 9 against the Toledo Mudhens. In a makeup of a June 8 rainout, Ramsay went 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI’s during Syracuse’s 7-4 win.

One thing that is unique about Ramsay is that he has one home run and ten RBI’s at each affiliate, but he accomplished that at Syracuse in ten fewer games (23) than Harrisburg (33). He is hitting .300 in the month of June. With Ramsay playing on an everday basis, it will be interesting to see if he continues that success he had this past week.

Pitcher Of The Week: SP Paolo Espino (1-0, 1.63 ERA)

Every week, Paolo Espino continues to be a constant for pitcher of the week in triple-A and it’s for good reason. On June 11, against the Clippers, Espino took a no-decision because he did not get the run support for his great outing. In seven innings, the right-hander gave up one run on five hits, struck out six, and walked one. The Chiefs would lose that game, 2-1 in ten innings.

Espino has now pitched into the seventh inning in each of his last four starts. He has had six straight starts of giving up six hits or fewer and four straight starts of giving up two runs or less. In four starts with the Chiefs, he has thrown 27.2 innings and opponents are only hitting .196 against them.

Honorable Mention: RP Rafael Martin (2-3, 6.97)

It’s been a rough season for Rafael Martin in triple-A. Of course, everyone remembers his major league debut on April 13 when he struck out five straight Red Sox at Fenway Park. Since then, Martin has had trouble getting hitters out down in the minors. However, he is starting to show improvement in his last three relief appearances.

This past week, Martin made two appearances and gave up no earned runs in four innings while striking out five batters and walked one. In his last three outings, Martin has struck a combined eight hitters. On June 9, Martin threw two scoreless innings in relief of Bruce Billings to record his first win of the season. While he has blown three saves in five opportunities, it looks like Martin has gotten back on track.

Next: Double-A

(Photo Credit: MILB.com)