Washington Nationals: Players of Week Three

The Nationals collected just two wins in six chances this week versus the Angels and Guardians

A four-game losing streak during the week lowered the morale of Nats' fans, but a win to close the week on Sunday versus Shane Bieber and the Guardians established some momentum. Washington has struggled versus top-tier pitching to begin the season, so to see the team collect nine hits against the righty is a positive sign. Lane Thomas collected two doubles, raising his season average to .323 while Jeimer Candelario had four hits including a home run. Left-fielder Stone Garrett was finally in the lineup and added two hits.

Mason Thompson had another solid week, barely missing Pitcher of the Week honors. The 25-year-old has a 1.59 ERA in seven games, managing multiple roles in the bullpen for coach Davey Martinez. With multiple innings and high-leverage situations, Thompson has been the answer for Martinez. Catcher Keibert Ruiz collected seven hits and two RBIs this week, raising his average to .245. He's becoming more selective at the plate instead of swinging at the first pitch so much.

Who wins the third edition of "District on Deck: Players of the Week?"

Hitter of the Week

Luis Garcia

Even after a hamstring injury kept Garcia out of the first two contests in Anaheim, he still raked enough to earn himself a Player of the Week award. Luis was 5-12 in the series versus Cleveland, hitting his first two home runs of the season. Garcia also drew two walks Friday night, something the front office has to be pleased to see from the 22-year-old second baseman. He's also reducing his strikeout rate, fanning just three times in 39 chances at the plate this season. The defense has also been improved at second base and has not made an error on the season. Garcia is showing lots of improvement and in my opinion, will be an important piece to the franchise moving forward. His home run today hit off the second deck at Nationals Park.

Pitcher of the Week

Patrick Corbin

Believe it or not, Patrick made two solid starts this week for the Nationals. The 33-year-old earned the win on Monday versus the Angels, throwing five innings and allowing four runs. Corbin kept the Angels stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani quiet, going a combined 0 for 8 in the game. The Nats did a great job containing Trout throughout the series, not allowing him to collect a single hit. Corbin was on the mound for the series finale versus Cleveland, pitching a quality start versus ace Shane Bieber. Patrick threw six innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out four. The lefty did not walk a single Guardian, a great sign moving forward for Corbin.

Control has been an issue for Patrick over the past two-plus seasons. He's pitched to a 6.30 ERA through four starts but has kept Washington competitive in his last two games. As hard as Nats fans may find Corbin to watch, he's owed too much contractually to be moved. His job is to eat up innings for Washington. We might as well root for them to be positive ones.