Washington Nationals: Carter Kieboom Struggling Since Debut
The Washington Nationals rushed Carter Kieboom to the Major Leagues after injuries to multiple infielders. So far, it has not worked out.
The Washington Nationals are not in favor with the Sports Injury Gods, crippling the offense of a once-potent lineup.
Casualties to this point include Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Juan Soto, Ryan Zimmerman, Matt Adams, and Michael A. Taylor.
The injuries to Turner and Rendon forced the Nationals’ hand. On April 26, The team called-up No. 2 prospect Carter Kieboom, approximately four months before they would have liked.
Earlier this year, general manager Mike Rizzo said he did not believe Kieboom was ready, citing his defense as a significant area of concern.
Rizzo foresaw defense as a problem, and it came to fruition in Kieboom’s first week and a half in the big leagues.
Kieboom has a negative defensive wins above replacement (dWAR). His three errors have been exceptionally costly, putting an extra burden on the Nationals pitching staff.
Kieboom’s presence in the batter’s box is even worse.
Granted, Kieboom hit two home runs in his first three games. After that lightning quick start to his career, Kieboom went into an 0-20 stretch which spanned seven games.
His stats are simply dreadful, even with his home runs. He is batting .143 with a .545 OPS.
His 41 percent strikeout rate makes my eyes hurt just looking at his FanGraphs page.
In fairness to Kieboom, he still projects as a league average hitter. THE BAT projection system on FanGraphs projects Kieboom for a sub-25 percent strikeout rate and a .726 OPS.
Kieboom’s extended slump puts the Nats in a peculiar situation.
Rendon is scheduled to return sometime this week from the injured list which will relieve Howie Kendrick from third base duties.
Kendrick is playing phenomenal baseball to start the season, but the Nats need to manage his innings. He is 35 years old and coming off of an Achilles injury. They can’t push him too hard, or they risk another injury.
Brian Dozier is playing below his capabilities, and Wilmer Difo is certainly not an everyday player at the MLB level.
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The Nats need Kieboom to start playing well until Turner returns. However, with the way the Nats are playing as a team right now, it may be too late when Turner does come back.