Washington Nationals: Storylines for last call in Atlanta
By Ron Juckett
THE SLUMPING MATT WIETERS
If there is a concern finishing the season, it is at catcher.
More from District on Deck
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
- A Washington Nationals Christmas Wishlist
- Washington Nationals: Is Seth Lugo Still an Option?
- Robots in Baseball? The Possibility of an Automated Ball/Strike System in the MLB
- Washington Nationals Re-Sign RHP Erasmo Ramirez
Jose Lobaton tweaked an ankle. Pedro Severino and Raudy Read are battling for playing time while Matt Wieters is in a major slump.
Over the last two weeks, Wieters is 1-for-20 at the plate with 10 strikeouts. His slashline is .050/.174/.100. That is worse than the pitchers. For the record, the staff slashes .119/.162./.160 over the course of the year.
Although Wieters deserves credit for his handling of the pitchers, his prolonged slump is a liability come October. With primary backup Lobaton hitting .153, there is a glaring hole waiting to be exploited by the Cubs.
Back near where he played his college ball at Georgia Tech, this series provides Wieters a chance to relax and find his swing. His 11-pitch strikeout Sunday night is a good sign. It tells you he is seeing the ball well and able to work a pitcher into a mistake.
Next: Thoughts from the Dodgers series
Whether it is a collection of nagging injuries plaguing all catchers now, or something mechanical in swing, it is important for Wieters to rediscover his offense. There are no other good alternatives for the playoffs. It is crucial Michael Taylor not feel added pressure at the bottom of the lineup to make things happen.