Nats Double Up Braves, 8-4; Second Set of Cuts
Three homers in the first two innings – including Trea Turner and Juan Soto going back-to-back – helped build a 4-1 lead that the bullpen didn’t blow as the Nats doubled up the Braves, 8-4 on Wednesday afternoon.
As they did on Tuesday night, the big flies covered up a subpar outing by the starting pitcher. Patrick Corbin put on eight baserunners (six hits, two walks) and let in three of them over four innings. [Insert spring training results bromide here]
However, the bullpen also got the job done as Sean Doolittle, Trevor Rosenthal, Kyle Barraclough, Justin Miller, and watchlister Austen Williams each threw one inning and combined for one unearned run (Rosenthal), three hits, and one walk while striking out five.
It was another light afternoon for the watchlist players, with three coming off the bench:
● Jake Noll subbed for Anthony Rendon at 3B and flew out in the 7th
● Drew Ward struck out in place of 1B Ryan Zimmerman to end the 7th
● Carter Kieboom pinch-hit for a single in the 6th and lofted a sac fly in the 8th as the team’s second SS
Today, the Nats hit the road for Ft. Myers and take on a split-squad Twins team. Erick Fedde is slated to make his second start and fifth appearance. The game can be heard on MLB Audio (Minnesota feed).
Prior to the game, the Nats made their second set of cuts:
● RHP Austin Adams was optioned to Fresno
● IFs Luis Garcia, Matt Reynolds, Jacob Wilson, UT Brandon Snyder, and C Taylor Gushue
were all reassigned to minor-league camp
What’s most notable of the new cuts is both Jacob Rhinesmith and Jake Noll are still with the big boys.
Tells you a little of what the front office is thinking.
Rhinesmith is in minor league camp, he’s just been brought over for a game or two (not uncommon, especially with players the org sees as advanced in the field).
Noll and Jones are still standing. Who would have predicted that four weeks ago?
Even more, MLB pipeline’s last rankings before spring training had none of those 3 in the Top 30. Amazing.
I think that’s still an OK call, especially with Jones, who is older. But it seems like Noll has retooled somewhat. He looks good. Two RBI doubles today and apparently solid defensive work.
Noll has definitely worked with Long or somebody
Getting confidence in Rhinesmith and Wilson is good for Hags
Safe to say B games and tiring bus rides across alligator alley are prime opportunities for guys to gain confidence for the respective affiliate levels they are April assigned to.
Nick Banks must be listed @ LF since Rhett Wiseman can handle RF in Burg
Curious to see how Hoover’s ERA in camp drops with more effective outings
Nats due for another Jackson in their historical roster rolls
With all due respect to Hunter Jones