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Four Washington Nationals Top Prospects Off To A Hot Start

By Max Rayman

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 08: Luis Garcia #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a ground rule double scoring a run in the eighth inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 8, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 08: Luis Garcia #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a ground rule double scoring a run in the eighth inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 8, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals
A general view of the 2019 World Series Champions sign at Nationals Park before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Cole Henry

A firm member of Washington’s future big three alongside Cade Cavalli and Jackson Rutledge, Cole Henry is finally healthy and turning heads as a result. The 22-year-old missed the majority of last year due to an elbow issue. He was held to nine appearances at Low-A, going 3-3, with a 1.88 ERA, and 63 strikeouts in 43 innings — while opponents hit a measly .158 against him.

After the season ended, he was invited to represent the Nationals at the Arizona Fall League, going 1-0, with a 3.32 ERA, and 30 strikeouts, while walking nine across 19 innings of work.

Because injuries have been a frequent issue for Henry dating back to his time at LSU, Washington decided to take things slow with him this season. He wasn’t invited to the Nationals Spring Training and instead focused on getting his body ready for the season.

Henry’s made five starts at AA this year, only allowing one run across 15 2/3 innings while striking out 20. Opponents are struggling to just reach base against him — scratching together just four hits and nine walks (five of which came in his last start).

Washington is still slowly ramping him up, with Henry yet to throw more than four innings in a game. The slow approach is appreciated as the Nationals don’t want to ruin one of their most promising arms.

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