With Washington Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton landing on the disabled list, Brian Goodwin is ready. Here is why the utility outfielder is ready.
The Washington Nationals carry a fine replacement for the injured Adam Eaton. No, it is not the injured Victor Robles.
Instead, Brian Goodwin will continue holding down left field as Eaton rests his tender ankle over the next 10 days. Goodwin led off in Tuesday’s win over the Atlanta Braves and drove home a run.
Normally a lower part of the lineup batter, Goodwin can leadoff allowing Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon to offer protection for the white-hot Bryce Harper. He has played in every game of the young season and is thriving with his chances.
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On the year, heading into Wednesday’s matinee, Goodwin carries a slash line of .286/.407/.429 for a healthy 134 OPS+. In 28 plate appearances, he has reached 10 times including four walks.
As with Michael Taylor last year, Goodwin is shining on the field. His early on-base percentage is well above 2017’s .313. With a pair of steals, he is on-pace to shatter the six he swiped last year. On defense, his speed gives him good range, but a lack of innings makes his metrics inconclusive.
Goodwin will not hurt the Nats in left, but do not expect a Gold Glove.
It is unclear how long before Eaton is full strength. The hope was a day or two after an awkward slide at the plate Saturday against the New York Mets. What was thought as loose scar tissue is now diagnosed as an ankle bruise. He damaged the ankle last year on the same play where he tore his ACL.
Any thought of an immediate call-up of Robles was dashed when he smashed his arm on the frozen turf of Rochester’s Triple-A outfield. Although the x-rays were negative, the swelling in his elbow blocks a closer look at any ligament or muscle damage. Monday is the target for further examination.
Washington skipped promoting the slumping Andrew Stevenson for Moises Sierra.
For an outfielder destined to sit on the bench with prospects breathing down his neck, Goodwin has hit the lottery. Already an everyday sub or spot starter, he has two weeks to show what he can do. As with Pedro Severino behind the plate, Goodwin’s excellent play forced the Nats hand.
Next: Analyzing Harper's hot April
Although he is not the spark plug Eaton is, Goodwin’s ability to hit for power and steal bases minimizes Eaton’s loss. With the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers looming, along with the Colorado Rockies, his presence is reassuring.