Nationals: Spring Training Notes

Spring Training is already winding down, with Opening Day less than a month away. Teams are finalizing their 26 man rosters, with position battles coming to an end. For the Nationals, fans have gotten an early glimpse at the team’s newcomers, most notably Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber. Both have impressed at the plate, having worked with hitting coach Kevin Long on improving their swings. On the pitching side of things, all eyes have been on the team’s big three. Max Scherzer battled a hamstring injury in 2020 and started off Spring Training slow due to an ankle injury. However, in his last start, vintage Scherzer appeared, striking out five across three shutout innings. Stephen Strasburg left early in his first start, while Patrick Corbin looked solid in his most recent outing. Jon Lester is recuperating from his own surgery, while Joe Ross is amping himself back up after opting out in 2020.

While most of the fans’ eyes have been on the big names, it has been the younger players stealing the show. With Opening Day two weeks away, here are Washington’s Spring Training notes.

Victor Robles To Lead Off

Manager Dave Martinez has made tweaks to the batting order, most notably having Victor Robles lead off. In doing so, Trea Turner will now be able to protect Juan Soto in the lineup, with the two projected to hit two and three. Robles has been impressive this Spring Training, especially in his ability to get on base. In 16 at-bats, Robles is hitting .273, with a homer, two RBIs, and an OPS of .862. While the hits have been sparse, Robles has drawn four walks and has an OBP of .429. Most importantly, he already has four stolen bases, which goes to show how dangerous he can be on the basepaths.

Despite the small sample size, Robles has already shown an improvement in his plate discipline. While he has struck out seven times, the speedster has been able to lay off chase pitches that he used to fall for, a necessary skill in order to increase the opposing pitcher’s pitch count. Regardless of the small sample size, Robles Spring has been enough to show he deserves a shot to lead off on Opening Day.

Luis Garcia Making A Statement

Last year, Luis Garcia was called up after Starlin Castro broke his wrist, taking over at second. His call-up was bittersweet, hitting .235, with three homers, 16 RBIs, and an OPS of .668. While he lacked power, he was able to come through with base hits. However, he was a liability defensively, committing five errors and posting -4 DRS.

Before Spring Training started, I expected Garica to start in the minors to work on his defense, but he has made a case for sticking in the majors. He is currently hitting .231, with two RBIs, and an OPS of .729. He also has six walks, with an OBP of .435, while only striking out once. Veteran Starlin Castro who has recovered from his broken list, will be holding down second, blocking the youngster. If Garcia does start in the minors, expect him to be called up early in case a starter struggles.

Andrew Stevenson Proving He Belongs

A second-round pick in 2015, Andrew Stevenson has mostly spent his time in the minors, but has always produced when called up. With Michael A. Taylor now in Kansas City, Stevenson has become the team’s fourth outfielder. However, the speedster has continued to grow as a player and merits a spot in the team’s starting outfield. Unfortunately, with no DH in the NL just yet, Stevenson is stuck behind newcomer Kyle Schwarber, who was acquired for his power at the plate.

The 26-year-old only had 41 at-bats in 2020, but made the most of his short opportunity, hitting .366, with two homers, 11 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.179. This Spring, Stevenson has shown that 2020 may not have been a fluke. In 25 at-bats, he’s hitting .280, with two RBIs, and an OPS of .719. His plate discipline has improved, seen by his three walks and only four strikeouts. On the bases, he has been deadly, swiping four bags. If Stevenson can carry his hot start into the season, expect him to be a full-time member of the club’s outfield by 2022.