ATLANTA — With lower than a month remaining in a season that has lengthy been determined for the Washington Nationals, Supervisor Dave Martinez and his employees proceed to judge their roster with a watch towards subsequent yr.
Washington
Nationals lose again as 2023 auditions continue for fringe players
Abbott has made seven begins for the reason that commerce deadline and been used as a bullpen arm as properly for the Nationals (51-96). The best-hander’s performances have been up and down, and that pattern continued in opposition to the Braves (92-55) with a three-run fourth inning.
“Began with the stroll after which we throw a ball away,” Martinez stated. “It simply added as much as three runs, however aside from that, I assumed [Abbott] threw the ball properly.”
Within the first inning, Abbott allowed a solo shot to Austin Riley to place the Nationals at a deficit they might not overcome. Riley’s hit regarded prefer it may keep within the park, however leaping left fielder Alex Name couldn’t snag it.
Then within the fourth, Riley walked, Matt Olson doubled and Travis d’Arnaud and Michael Harris II hit back-to-back singles. Lane Thomas threw out d’Arnaud on Harris’s single, however Harris later superior on a throwing error by Riley Adams and scored on a sacrifice fly by William Contreras. The Braves’ lead grew to 4-0. Abbott’s night time ended after the fourth; he allowed six hits, two walks and the 4 runs with out putting out any batters. Nonetheless, he took positives away from his outing.
“Just a bit bit extra across the strike zone than earlier than,” Abbott stated. “Much less walks, ought to’ve solely had one stroll. So simply type of specializing in that and maintain constructing.”
The Nationals reduce into the Braves’ lead within the fifth inning. Ildemaro Vargas led off with a double down the road earlier than Abrams singled to place runners on the corners with nobody out. Victor Robles hit a sacrifice fly to attain Vargas, then Name roped a two-out double that drove in Abrams to make the rating 4-2.
Vargas, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Nationals in Could, then reported to Class AAA Rochester earlier than being known as up on the commerce deadline. He outplayed Maikel Franco and have become the group’s on a regular basis third baseman, making himself a attainable utility participant for the Nationals subsequent season. Name, 27, was claimed off waivers Aug. 7, and Martinez stated final week he’s “intrigued” by the previous Cleveland Guardian.
And naturally, there’s Joey Meneses, 30, who went 4 for 4 on Monday night time and stole a base for the primary time in his main league profession.
Different gamers making an attempt to show themselves throughout this audition embrace catcher Riley Adams, 26, who has struggled for stretches on the plate and struck out twice Monday night time, leaving 4 runners on base. There’s additionally Luke Voit, the group’s designated hitter, who might stay in that function subsequent yr — or be non-tendered. He completed Monday 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts.
The Braves tacked on their closing run within the seventh when Eddie Rosario hit a solo shot off Steve Cishek. Exterior of the fourth inning, the Nationals’ offense couldn’t generate a lot offense.
There have been some brilliant spots and a few forgettable performances Monday, a couple of extra information factors that might issue into offseason decision-making.
“I wish to means they’re enjoying, I actually do,” Martinez stated about his veterans. “I imply, they’re getting alternatives to play, they’re exhibiting me some some issues that I wish to see, and so they’re doing properly. … We’re in search of gamers, proper? Come spring coaching, these guys are making a superb case for themselves.”
How is Keibert Ruiz doing? The younger catcher was cleared to journey with the group to Atlanta after struggling a testicular contusion this month that may sideline him for the remainder of the season. Martinez stated Ruiz will proceed to take a seat in conferences with the group’s present three catchers — Adams, Israel Pineda and Tres Barrera. Martinez stated he hopes Ruiz will be capable to do mild exercises earlier than the top of the season.
What’s the newest on Victor Arano? The best-hander performed catch in Atlanta on Monday afternoon earlier than the sport, the primary time he has thrown since Sept. 4, when he was positioned on the 15-day injured record with a proper shoulder pressure. That is Arano’s second stint on the injured record this yr after he was beforehand sidelined with left knee irritation.
What’s subsequent for MacKenzie Gore? The group needs the left-hander to throw 60 to 65 pitches, and round 4 innings, throughout his subsequent rehab begin. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday in Atlanta earlier than making one other begin in Rochester to construct up towards full power. The objective is for him to pitch for the Nationals earlier than season’s finish.