Washington Nationals: Victor Robles still flashing his immense potential

Despite the Washington Nationals succumbing to another loss on Sunday afternoon, Victor Robles stood out again while flashing his immense potential.

In their first full game after mathematical elimination, the Washington Nationals fell back to .500 again. But one of the bigger bright spots in recent days has been the performance of top prospect Victor Robles.

On Sunday, he went 2 for 6 with a 2 RBI triple and a solo home run early on to tie the game in the third. All of his skills were on display yet again with the speed-power combo that will have Nats fans drooling.

In the early days after his call-up to the big leagues this year, he stuttered a little bit out of the box. He went just 1 for his first 11, but in that time he only got two starts and couldn’t find his rhythm off the bench.

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But after those first 11 ABs, he’s gone 9 for 33, which is good for a .273 average and a promising .801 OPS. The major difference has been the consistent plate appearances that he’s received, drawing the start in seven of the 11 games in that time.

He seems to be well on his way to locking down a starting job in the 2019 outfield, and most likely in centerfield despite the start in left Sunday. Victor Robles and Juan Soto will be one of the most exciting duos in the major leagues next year and are a key reason the Nats aren’t going away anytime soon.

A wild MAT appeared in the lineup

We haven’t seen a huge amount of Michael Taylor this month, as coming into the game, he’d received just one start since rosters expanded. But this Sunday, he drew the start over Soto as they gave the star teenager a day off.

In his start, Taylor went 1 for 4 with a single in the eighth, but he did strike out twice including one with the bases loaded. When all was said and done, he led the team in this game with six men left on base and could’ve had a big say in the outcome of the game.

Some of the centerfielder’s struggles can be attributed to the inconsistent playing time that we touched on before. However, with Taylor’s batting profile it’s not entirely surprising that he’s been phased out, given he’s ticketed for a fourth outfielder role at best, regardless of whether Bryce Harper stays.

Fedde struggles in a shortened outing

After some promising outings for young right-hander Erick Fedde, he regressed back to the pitcher we saw earlier in the year. He lacked command and looked very hittable at times, but it’s fair to wonder whether the weather was a factor.

His final line wound up with 3.1 innings as he surrendered five hits and three runs, while walking four and striking out two. Those last two figures are the most concerning, as in his previous three starts he had struck out 22 and walked eight.

Fedde could get one last chance to impress before the offseason when he faces the Colorado Rockies. He’s still got a lot to prove if he wants to be in the rotation to start the 2019 season, but the team could do worse for their number five starter next year.

The Washington Nationals now begin their final home series of the season when the Miami Marlins come to town. Stephen Strasburg takes on Sandy Alcantara in the first game on Monday night.