Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Doug Fister’s Struggles Continue In Loss To Pirates
By Ricky Keeler
Jul 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) slides past Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) to score a run during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson Struggles Defensively In Left Field
While most of the Nationals regulars have been out due to injury, Clint Robinson has been one of the players that have stepped up in their absence. In 16 games this month, Robinson’s .278 average is third on the team behind Bryce Harper and Yunel Escobar and he has the most runs scored on the team with ten.
However, last night, he had a tough time fielding his position out in left field. Matt Williams chose to use Tyler Moore at first base, a spot that Moore did play in the Nats’ first meeting against Liriano back on June 20 (1-for-2, two RBI’s).
While the team does need Robinson’s bat in the lineup, he is not able to cover ground quick enough and Pittsburgh has the speed in the lineup that can take advantage of that. In the bottom of the first inning, Starling Marte hit a ball into the left center field gap that ended up being a RBI triple because Robinson couldn’t get to the ball quick enough.
Four innings later, Jung Ho Kang hit a ball down the left field line that would go for extra bases. Robinson ended up bobbling the ball in the corner, which allowed Starling Marte to round third and score. In addition, Desmond’s throw home allowed Kang to go to third. The Pirates’ shortstop would later score on a RBI groundout by Pedro Alvarez.
Yes, Matt den Dekker and Tyler Moore are better defensive options at left field, but until Denard Span and Jayson Werth both come back, the Nats have to use Robinson every day at either first base or left field. That being said, sometimes the 30-year-old is going to have bad defensive games in the outfield, just like he had last night.