Nationals: Takeaways From 8-1 Win Over Dodgers

4 of 4

Jul 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Koda Glover (32) throws to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Glover Has Success In Debut

For the second straight night, the Washington Nationals fans saw another one of their top prospects make their debut. On Tuesday night, Reynaldo Lopez did strike out nine Dodgers, but he also allowed six earned runs in a loss.

More from District on Deck

Yesterday afternoon, in what was somewhat of a surprise, Koda Glover was called up to make his Major League debut. It’s been a quick road to the Majors for the 23-year-old after being drafted last season, but it wasn’t as quick as his outing last night.

Glover only needed four pitches, but he retired the Dodgers in order. He had a four-seam fastball that went up to 98 miles per hour and a cutter that was over 92 mph.

Down in the minor leagues this season, Glover had a 2.18 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and six saves in 33 games with Potomac, Harrisburg, and Syracuse. With the 18-inning game on Sunday and Lopez not making it out of the fifth Tuesday, the Washington Nationals needed another bullpen arm.

With Sammy Solis on the disabled list, Glover is one of those pitchers that are intriguing to watch because of that fastball. Also, he could be a trade chip as the Washington Nationals try to make a trade before the August 1 trade deadline.

Next: Recap: Harper Hits 3rd Deck Home Run In Win Over LA

However, if Glover stays with the Nationals past August 1, he could be an asset to this bullpen down the stretch and be another arm that can dial up the fastball to the late 90’s in velocity to go with Blake Treinen and Rivero.

Speaking of Rivero, it was good to see him bounce back last night with two scoreless innings while giving up only one hit. This month, Rivero has not given up a run in five games and has held opponents to a .129 batting average.

Home/Nationals News