Granted, it probably won’t happen. Promotions NEVER come as fast as the fans want them to, especially now that there’s one fewer level, the Draft is a month later, and the Complex Leagues begin a month sooner.
Case in point: Phillip Glasser. After two walks, two singles, and three stolen bases, the Nats’ 10th Rd. pick in ’23 is batting .432 and has a .500 OBP.
Case in point #2: Brandon Pimentel. He’s now up to 23 RBI in 49AB and has an OPS of 1.001. Sure, a lot of that is Glasser getting on ahead of him, but it’s still impressive nevertheless.
Alas, what both have in common is that they’re old for the level (23 and 24 vs. 20.7). So T.J. White and the infielders not named Kevin Made in Wilmington are probably safe for a little longer… at least until the FCL starts up, which could be used as an excuse to send down struggling players and pull up guys to see how they do in a non-scrimmage capacity.
The FredNats scored in three of its first four “ups” to build a 6-0 lead for Travis Sthele, who was making his third start at home and second on a Sunday. Unlike two weeks ago, he fared much better – tossing four scoreless with two hits and three walks allowed while striking out three.
However, it took him 75 pitches to get those 12 outs and with a comfortable 6-0 lead, manager Jake Lowery was able to slot former top prospect Mason Denaburg into the game with a wide margin of error. He gave up a single to the first batter he faced, which induced some SSDY groans from the fans (OK, fine: maybe it was just me).
But instead of falling apart, the 24-y.o. instead rolled a double play ball and then retired the next four batters he faced, including two whiffs. He would get his first “W” since last July and seemed to be pitching instead of throwing, with less velocity but more command.
Samuel Vasquez followed Denaburg in the 7th and wobbled in the 8th for the two (unearned) Fayetteville run but was credited with the hold. Kevin Rodriguez, who appeared in 38 games last summer, closed out the game for his fifth appearance and first save.
Fredericksburg (9-6) heads back out on the road to face Delmarva for six against the C.L. North’s cellar dweller, which coyuld be a chance to move up in the standings before hosting third-place Down East from April 30 to May 5.