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Washington Nationals: Five 2016 First Half Surprises

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 29, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) congratulates Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) while removing him from the game against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) congratulates Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) while removing him from the game against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Jun 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Werth (.252, 10 home runs, 40 RBI’s)

Coming into the season, some argued whether or not Jayson Werth should be an everyday player. That argument has been put to rest as Werth has been a regular in Dusty Baker’s lineup throughout the season. He is one of five Washington Nationals to play in 80 or more games this season.

After a slow month of April (.211, four home runs, 13 RBI’s) and hitting only .212 out of the number six spot in the order, Baker switched Werth and Anthony Rendon’s spots in the order. Since moving to the two spot in the lineup, Werth has been a much different hitter and his patience at the plate has helped the hitters behind him (i.e Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper).

The 37-year-old left fielder had a great month of June when he hit .321 with two home runs, 14 RBI’s, and a .438 on-base percentage. This included walk-off hits against the Philadelphia Phillies (June 12) and the Chicago Cubs (June 15).

While Werth has not had a great July so far in terms of batting average (.212), he has 12 walks, which is the most on the Washington Nationals. Plus, he has seen 234 pitches, which is the most of any player in baseball.

Werth may not be the player that he once was, but he has done a good job in being one of the players at the top of the order working the count and setting up run-scoring opportunities as evident by his on-base percentage (.406).

Next: Danny Espinosa

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