AFL Update: Oct. 16, 2024
The Rafters got within one twice – 3-2 and 5-4 – but ultimately fell, 6-4 to the Saguaros.
Three Nationals appeared in the game.
● Robert Hassell continues to hit, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored to push his fall line to a Nintendo-esque .529/.556/.941 (9-for-17).
● Max Romero Jr. caught the game and hit a solo HR, but had another steal against him.
● Matt Cronin threw a clean inning in the 4th, retiring the side in order on 11 pitches.
Salt River (3-3) visits Scottsdale (2-4) tonight
Fingers crossed that Hassell is truly “finding himself,” not a desert mirage. He’s Rule 5-eligible this year, so he’ll be added to the 40-man next month unless he totally tanks in AZ. The bigger question is whether he can return to the top-tier prospect status he had at the time of the trade.
Really pleased to see Cronin back and not a mess control-wise. Far too many times those outings point to something not feeling right, leading to some more serious injury. (Hope we’ll soon see the same from Cuevas too)
Robert Hassell has now hit 5 XBH in 4 games so far. Hassell hit 5 XBH over his previous 33 games of the 2024 regular season, so his performance is not only extremely positive, but wildly unexpected. Maybe he just prefers that dry heat to the humid, East Coast? Whatever it is is great.
Hassell was a first round pick in the 2020 draft; Hassell didn’t make his first MILB appearance until 2021. So, Hassell is Rule 5 draft eligibile if the Nats don’t place him on the 40 man roster. To the extent there was some doubt, would think a strong AFL season (third time appears to be the charm) means he will be added to the Nats’ MLB roster. Getting way ahead of ourselves after 17 AFL at-bats, if Hassell finds his power stroke, he could be an interesting platoon option in CF with Jacob Young.
Also to add. Hassell a HS draftee is only six months older than Dylan Crews.