Washington Nationals: Patience right call for Victor Robles

Washington Nationals hot prospect Victor Robles expects to start 2018 at Triple-A Syracuse. A correct decision without a job waiting in the majors.

The Washington Nationals are making the right call not rushing Victor Robles back to the majors.

Yes, his service time clock is ticking. Sure, his potential as a defender and speedster are incredible. But, without a starting job for him to fill, it is essential for Robles to get in as much playing time and plate appearances as possible. Sitting on the bench in Washington will improve nothing.

You can use Wilmer Difo as an example.

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In 74 games as a starter, Difo slashed .286/.331/.401. Off the bench 50 times, those numbers shrank to .178/.245/.178. Terrible numbers for someone learning the game from the bench.

When Difo filled in for the injured Trea Turner, he played well. That repetition benefitted him. Robles is in the same situation. Unless there is an injury where he gets regular at-bats with the big club, there is no reason for him to sit.

Syracuse is a good place to hone his craft. Regular plate appearances and defending against nearly top-level opponents.

Will Robles be in DC next season? Yes.

Any serious injury to the Nats outfield earns him the trip. If Michael Taylor goes down, Robles is a better defender option than Adam Eaton. Robles will need to show manager Dave Martinez he can play in the majors, but the kid is a good fallback option.

There is the chance Robles excels next March in the Grapefruit League. He will start his share of games and face true major-league starters. When not starting, expect pinch-running opportunities and plenty of time as a defensive replacement.

Again, this is not a case of should he make the final roster, but what gives Robles the best chance to develop as an everyday player. Although comparing Robles to Dido is not fair—Robles is 20, while Difo is 25, for starters—it is an example of what can happen to a player almost ready to be on a full-time MLB roster.

Because he lacks experience—remember, Robles was in A-Ball last year—it is important to pack all the playing time he can. What you do not want is a bouncing back and forth between Washington and Syracuse. When Robles gets the call, the hope is the deal is permanent.

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For Robles and fans, the key is patience. A rush job to fill in for slumping player X does him no favors. He will be here soon enough. It is the right decision.

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