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Nats Clip Cards, 1-0

Keibert Ruiz’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 4th somehow stood up as the Nats clipped the Cards, 1-0

Trevor Williams did indeed get the start, tossing two scoreless, and followed by seven relievers who threw one inning apiece. Derek Law got the “W” as the pitcher of record when the Nats went ahead.

James Wood was the sole watchlister in the starting lineup, taking left field and going 1-for-3 with a strikeout to lower his spring BA to .474 (9-for-19).

Here’s how the rest of “our guys” did coming off the bench:

  • Robert Hassell subbed for Lane Thomas in RF and ground out in his only at-bat
  • Jacob Young replaced Wood in LF and drew a walk and stole a base
  • Elijah Green pinch-hit for the DH, Jesse Winker, and… wait for it… struck out
  • Drew Millas pinch-ran for Ruiz and caught the last three innings but did not come to the plate
  • Brady House took over third from Nick Senzel and played third base for the last three innings and also didn’t bat
  • Darren Baker followed Luis García Jr. at second base and played the last two innings on defense without an AB
  • Dylan Crews subbed for Victor Robles in the 8th and committed an error in the 9th

The Nats return to action on Wednesday in Jupiter against the Marlins.



9 Commments

  1. I wonder if Trey Lipscomb can play himself into a starting role this ST. Now, I don’t expect him to win a starting job to start the season, nor even to make the big league team. But he might be playing himself into a starting role not too long into the season. Senzel and Garcia aren’t helping themselves. Senzel is 1 for 10 with 5 Ks so far, and Garcia perhaps even worse at 1 for 14 (but only 4 Ks).

    Lipscomb had barely played 2B before, only 1 game in college and then never again until his late season promotion to Harrisburg (and again only 8 games). The Nats seemed more interested in using him at 1B and SS (not to mention 3B) than 2B. But the Nats seem intent of stretching him out at second this ST. The majority of his 8 games have come there. They already should know he’s a good 3B, and with Abrams blocking him at SS, there’s little use to play him there.

    I wonder if his future lies in a Ildemaro Vargas type role? Vargas has at several times been a starter at various different positions. Unfortunately, his bat is just quite limited. Lipscomb, at least, has the potential for a much higher upside. Will he live up to it? Well, his current line of .375/.412/.438 is helping! Especially as Senzel and Garcia flounder.

    Now, also would be a good time for Jake Alu to get hot.

    1. I’ve had pretty much the same thought: on what planet should Senzel (cut by his last team) and Garcia (sent to the minors last year for not working hard enough) be guaranteed starting spots? They should be expected to earn the spots, which so far they aren’t doing.

      I’ve been in the Lipscomb fan club, but I’m reluctant to make the leap that he’s quite ready for the majors (he struggled in the AFL and doesn’t walk enough), or to strongly assert that he could be a starter. I do think he could be a super-utility guy with a better stick than Vargas. I will note a couple of things about Lipscomb: he and Wood worked out together over the winter, and both showed up at camp hitting better than most. Also, he’s a hitter drafted out of college who is on the cusp of the majors after just one full season in the minors. That’s how it’s SUPPOSED to work.

      1. I didn’t realize Lipscomb and Wood knew each other beyond playing a few months together last season. But both are local guys. Wood grew up in Olney and Lipscomb in Urbana, but they’re unlikely to have played together, as Wood went to IMG Academy in Florida for high school (that, and Lipscomb is 2 years older).

        Maybe the Nats could take notes from Wood/Lipscomb’s offseason development plan, because their workouts appear to have worked some magic, with Lipscomb hitting .375 and Wood hitting .474 to start off ST!!

  3. Let’s take one day at a time .
    The blue chippers are at Harrisburg unless brass wants to push the envelope on Wood .
    Interesting if we could project looking glass to August to see how Senators roster looks .

  4. FWIW, according to MLBTR, here are the Nats 40 man roster players that are out of minor league options and must be exposed to waivers before being sent down:

    Luis Garcia, 2B
    Carter Kieboom, 3B
    Nasim Nunez, SS
    Tanner Rainey, RP
    Keibert Ruiz, C
    Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
    Jordan Weems, RP

  5. Nasim Nunez should not be included on the list, because he has 3 options. HOWEVER, as a Rule 5 player the Nationals would have to offer him back to the Marlins if they try to drop him from the active roster.

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