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Nationals: 3 players who have something to prove down the stretch

By James Simmons

Sam Clay #49 of the Washington Nationals pitches during the completion of a suspended baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park on July 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. The game was suspended after a shooting outside the stadium. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Sam Clay #49 of the Washington Nationals pitches during the completion of a suspended baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park on July 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. The game was suspended after a shooting outside the stadium. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Nationals need to evaluate Andrew Stevenson and determine if he is a part of the season.
Andrew Stevenson #17 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Andrew Stevenson

Andrew Stevenson finds himself in a tough spot. He doesn’t produce enough to be a starting outfielder, and after being given the reins as the fourth outfielder entering the year, he hasn’t produced enough to warrant that, moving forward. Now, he finds himself being jumped on the depth chart and wondering if there is a spot for him on the Nationals active-26, next year.

Stevenson electrified us last year with an exciting final couple weeks of the season. While he may be a preferred choice at pinch hitter, he just doesn’t hit enough to justify keeping on the bench at this point.

Yadiel Hernandez, has taken over the majority of playing time in left field since the Kyle Schwarber trade, and is mixing in some power with consistent hitting. Lane Thomas took the Nationals by storm and has gotten most of the reps in center to spell Victor Robles. And some of us are holding our breath for the late season call-up of Daniel Palka.

dark. Next. Doolittle kicked to the curb

All this to say Stevenson needs to have a strong ending to the season in order to keep from being an after-thought. Sure, Palka is on the team as a minor league free agent, but there will be others next year. If they hit for power, they have Stevenson beat. If they get on base, they have Stevenson beat. Stevenson needs to prove he is more than just speed and defense.

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