One of those throwers was Noah Dean, a 25-y.o. MLFA who was released during spring training by the Red Sox and signed by the Nats in late March. He picked up where he left off in the regular season (0-4, 6.91/1.81/7.31) with two of five batters retired, two runs allowed on two hits and a walk.
The other Nationals player to appear was catcher Kevin Bazzell, Washington’s 3rd Rd. pick in the 2024 Draft. The 23-y.o. went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored at the plate. On defense, the Texan did his best imitation of Caleb Lomavita with an error, a passed ball, and zero runners caught stealing in six attempts – a far cry from th 28% CS rate he showed at Wilmington at Harrisburg combined.
The Rafters remain home this afternoon to host the Saguaros. R.J. Sales is expected to make his first start of the fall campaign.