For the Washington Nationals, the month of July in the year 2025 was one of the most hectic ones in recent franchise history. Between firing their manager and GM, selecting a crop of new players in the MLB Draft starting with the #1 overall pick, and now managing an insane MLB Trade Deadline, it was quite the month.
Last place clubs typically don't have a ton of fun, as there usually is a lot of frustration involved for the team on a daily basis. The Nationals are unfortunately no longer strangers to being bottom-feeders, adn the team is hoping for brighter days ahead in the future.
But part of moving on is to add new faces to the mix, and with the Nationals making 5 total trades within the last week, obviously new players had to be called up to the majors to replace the guys who were shipped out. WIth that being said, let's take a look at the 4 players who were called up before Friday's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Robert Hassell III
The first name to touch on is Robert Hassell III, who was the direct response to the Nationals sending outfielder Alex Call to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hassell's first big league stint was pretty rough, and the team is hoping that his slight swing change and more seasoning down in AAA will have him ready to finish the year on a high note.
Of course, his inclusion in the lineup will likely vary, as the team still has to figure out a consistent mix between James Wood, Jacob Young, Daylen Lile, Hassell III, and soon to be Dylan Crews. Whether or not Hassell III gets to remain in the big leagues remains to be seen, but he got off to a nice start by going 2/2 with a double on Friday night.
Ryan Loutos
I will keep this one brief, but let's just say the former waiver claim did not exactly have an impressive return back with the Nationals on Friday night. Ryan Loutos has genuinely been abysmal in almost every single appearance he has made for the Nationals, but the team needs healthy arms to get through the rest of the season.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara
In his last big league action, Japanese lefty Shinnosuke Ogasawara actually pitched somewhat decently, but it appears he will be slated for more relief work during this stint. This should give him a better opportunity to stick around long-term, as with the trades of Andrew Chafin, Luis Garcia, and Kyle Finnegan, the Nationals need competent middle relievers now more than ever.
Orlando Ribalta
The final name who was brought back up is righty Orlando Ribalta. You might have forgotten Ribalta existed because he has not appeared in a game since early April due to injury. Out of all the pitchers they brought up, Ribalta by far has the most upside, and he has a golden opportunity to prove to the front office that he belongs on the big league club for years to come.
Who are you most excited to watch out of this group? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.