Washington Nationals: 5 storylines for last Marlins series
By Ron Juckett
ROSTER EXPANSION AGAIN
Monday marks the end of most of Washington’s minor-league affiliate’s 2017 season. With Triple-A Syracuse and Double-A Harrisburg failing to make the playoffs, a few players will join the big club to finish the year for a cup of coffee.
We expect Andrew Stevenson and Pedro Severino to join Washington this week. But, will they promote Wander Suero—setting the International League on fire as a closer—or Victor Robles as a surprise? Robles is headed for the Arizona Fall League, so his chances are slim.
With AJ Cole named Monday’s starter, the thought is Erick Fedde’s season is finished. Fedde will be ready to compete for a rotation spot next spring in West Palm Beach.
Two names on the 40-man roster but who have yet to appear for the Nats this year are Austin Voth and Jose Marmolejos. Although Voth struggled to where he was demoted to Double-A, Marmolejos was the Nats minor league player of the year two seasons running.
You would think he is worthy of a chance to show his stuff.
The front office will have nearly endless options, strengthening the bench and bullpen while allowing the regulars to rest. Or, endless September baseball.