Washington Nationals: Luis Garcia called upon to be next spark

Looking for some offense to be infused into their lineup, the Washington Nationals are calling upon Luis Garcia to replaced the injured Starlin Castro.

Quite possibly for the second time in two days a young Washington Nationals prospect may make their major league debut. First, it was pitcher Seth Romero who burst onto the scene and he could be followed by infielder Luis Garcia, whom is reported to be called up from the taxi squad prior to the game with the Baltimore Orioles tonight.

Garcia, who checks in as the number two prospect on the Nationals prospect list, celebrated his 20th birthday in May and hit .257 for AA-Harrisburg a year ago.

He plays primarily shortstop and second base and will ideally slide into the latter position and replace Starlin Castro. Castro was placed on the 10-day IL with a broken wrist earlier in the day.

With the Nationals struggling to hit, get on base, score runs, and win games, they are looking for a way to spark the offense.

This move is very similar to when the Nats called up Carter Kieboom a year ago when they were faced with similar hitting woes. Kieboom hit .128 in eleven games and was sent back to the minors just as fast as he arrived. He struggled at the major league level with the defense part of his game as well.

The Nationals are hoping history does not repeat itself with Garcia.

Garcia was in spring camp as a non-roster invitee and hit .400 in twenty-five at-bats. His .964 OPS was encouraging for a young player, presumably prompting his arrival with the big team in time for tonight’s game.

Sitting four games under .500 and almost a third of the way through the season, the Nationals are looking for something to jump start the offense. We’ll see if Luis Garcia can be that something.