District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: The Juan Soto All-Star train picks up steam

By Blake Finney

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 29: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 29: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Washington Nationals bats came up big on Friday night for a 17-7 win. Juan Soto hit two long balls, and it’s a real possibility he could be an All-Star

The consistently inconsistent offense the Washington Nationals have reared its head again. This time, it was the good side of inconsistent as they thumped Nick Pivetta and the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen for 17 runs. Juan Soto led the way with two home runs and now has his sights set on an All-Star selection.

The homers were his seventh and eighth on the year, as he pushed his OPS to a stellar 1.067 on the year. After Max Muncy briefly overtook him, Soto leads the National League in OPS again among players with more than 30 ABs.

Although it’s a push to be selected as an All-Star via the fan vote, Soto surely deserves consideration as a reserve. He’s on a historic pace, not just for someone of his age, but for rookies altogether.

More from District on Deck

Entering Friday’s game, Soto was 10th in FanGraphs Offensive Rating, among NL outfielders. And he achieved this lofty standing while playing less than half the games of everyone above him except A.J. Pollock.

It’s still going to be a tough ask for him to make it, but if he keeps up this pace, Dave Roberts may have no choice.

Fedde gets first career win

After some tough luck to start his big league career, Erick Fedde finally got his first MLB win. It was far from his finest pitching, but with the monstrous run support, he got the big career milestone.

Fedde needed 115 pitches to get through just five innings, and gave up five runs in the process. He was in two-ball counts to a whopping 14 hitters during the night. That included a 14 pitch AB to Rhys Hoskins before he went yard.

He could only muster up three strikeouts, two of which to relief pitchers. There’s plenty for Fedde to work on, but he’ll take his first major league win any way it’ll come. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.

Bryce Harper slowly but surely heating up

Of the 17 runs the Nats knocked in, Bryce Harper drove in three and is heating up at the plate.

Harper smoked his 20th home run of the season in the top of the fourth and once again leads the NL. He’s been swinging a hot bat for the past few days now and could be about to rectify some his season stats.

Over the last eight games, Harper is hitting .348 with seven extra-base hits. He also has ten walks to go with nine strikeouts. He is getting his eye in at the plate, which can only mean good things for the superstar.

Next: Grading the Nats Bats

Now the Washington Nationals will be hoping to get at least a split on Saturday evening with Jeremy Hellickson returning to a big league mound. He’ll be hoping Juan Soto and the offense can do the same as they did Friday.

Home/Nationals News