Before they were leading the Washington Nationals back to the promised land in the big leagues, guys like Dylan Crews, James Wood, and others were once grinding through the team's minor league system waiting to get their opportunity in the show. As the 2024 season nears a close, I will continue seeking to provide daily Minor League updates by taking a page out of hockey's playbook, and award the 3 Stars of the Night for Nats minor leaguers that aren't with the big league club. This is an attempt to shine a spotlight on 3 future Nats who happen to have big time performances the night before, in hopes to give them a bit of limelight and exposure that they wouldn't normally get to experience.
In case you are unfamiliar with hockey's concept of the 3 Stars of the Game, according to Wikipedia: "The three stars in ice hockey are the three best players in a game, with the "first star" considered the best of the three players, akin to the player of the match in other sports. Media representatives of the home team choose the three stars, who are usually the top point scorers or outstanding goaltenders from either team."
On Sunday, while everyone else in America was watching the first Sunday of the NFL season, the Nats' minor league affiliates were hard at work, with the Low-A Fredericksburg Nationals and the AA Harrisburg Senators both picking up victories, while the AAA Rochester Red Wings and High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks both suffered defeats. Although he didn't quite do enough to make our 3 Stars of the Night, a major shoutout to Robert Hassell III who picked up his first RBI since his promotion to AAA Rochester last week.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Third Star of the Night: 1B Joey Meneses - AAA Rochester
Sunday's Third Star of the Night should be a very familiar name to anyone reading this in veteran Joey Meneses. Although it's been a long time since his breakout after the 2022 trade deadline, I've got to give credit where it's due with regard to Meneses. On Sunday, Meneses went 3/5 with a solo homer and a pair of doubles, driving in 2. While the Red Wings had a tough 9-7 loss in extra innings, it was no fault of Meneses' who has showed some signs of life down in the minors since his demotion. However, I would be shocked if Meneses was to play in another big league game with the Nats, but he did enough to earn Sunday's Third Star of the Night.
⭐️⭐ Second Star of the Night: SP Chase Solesky - AA Harrisburg
26-year-old righty Chase Solesky comes in as Sunday's Second Star of the Night on the farm in the organization. Solesky, a 2019 draft selection by the Chicago White Sox in the 21st round, put together a very solid outing getting the start for AA Harrisburg. His line included 6.0 innings, 7 strikeouts, 1 walk and just 2 earned runs on 2 hits. Overall for the season, he has made 16 appearances with 14 starts, and has pitched to a 3.10 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 78.1 innings. It's unclear what Solesky's likelihood to make the majors is, but for now he's doing all that he can.
⭐️ First Star of the Night: OF Daylen Lile - WSH #12 Prospect - AA Harrisburg
The First Star of the Night on Sunday down on the farm for the organization is outfielder Daylen Lile, the #12 prospect in the system. The 21-year-old was the team's 2nd-round selection in the 2021 draft, and has done nothing but impress across multiple levels. On Sunday, he reached base 4 times while driving in 3, going 3/4 with a 2-run double, RBI triple, and a walk. Lile, who began the season with High-A Wilmington before forcing a promotion to AA Harrisburg, has put together a combined line of .265/.354/.391 with a .745 OPS across both levels this year. Additionally, he has also added 23 stolen bases and 5 homers, showcasing his overall well-rounded prospect profile. He could legitimately make a push to be a part of a crowded Washington outfield picture as early as next season, should he keep progressing at this pace.
Daylen Lile's RBI triple is today's PSECU Play of the Game! Lile went 3 for 4 today with a triple, double, and 3 RBI! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/4iEM1VNZsv
— Harrisburg Senators (@HbgSenators) September 8, 2024
Which of these 3 prospects are you most excited to see in Washington one day? Do you think I missed someone more deserving? As always please let me know your thoughts on X,@DCBerk.
All stats in this article were provided by MiLB.com and MLB.com.