Monthly Archives: June 2018

Tough Roster Decisions Looming For Washington

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The Double-A Harrisburg Senators’ Twitter account last Thursday announced that Nationals players Matt Grace, Brian Goodwin and Daniel Murphy would begin rehabilitation assignments last weekend. Adam Eaton starts his rehab at Harrisburg today. The healthy return of each player is a positive for the Nationals, but could lead to some difficult roster decisions for manager Davey Martinez. According to Martinez, Goodwin is expected to return first, followed by Grace, Murphy and finally Eaton, who cannot return from the 60-day disabled list until June 8.

Goodwin’s return should force Washington to option Andrew Stevenson to the minor leagues. Both are left-handed hitters capable of playing multiple outfield positions, making them somewhat redundant on the roster. Also, Stevenson could benefit from additional minor league seasoning and playing every day. Much like Stevenson, there does not appear to be much available playing time for Goodwin with Bryce Harper in right field, rookie sensation Juan Soto in left and defensive stalwart of Michael A. Taylor in center.

Grace represents a more difficult challenge, as he is out of minor league options and I doubt Washington wants to lose Grace on waivers, so he is likely to be added to the roster at someone else’s expense. Based on performance, Shawn Kelley is likely the odd man out, yet his guaranteed salary makes cutting him a difficult decision. Recent additions Tim Collins and Justin Miller would also need to clear waivers to return to the minors. In small sample sizes, they have both looked quite impressive and losing either veteran seems foolish. Therefore Wander Suero, who has pitched well in nine appearances but has minor league options remaining, is likely ticketed for an undeserved return to Triple-A.

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Finally, Eaton’s return could provide the biggest conundrum for Washington. Eaton’s energy is infectious and his knack for getting on base will be welcome atop the lineup. Unfortunately, his return will bump either Juan Soto or Taylor from the starting lineup. Washington could return Soto to the minors for more experience, but he has been so productive that the Nationals may not be able to justify his demotion. Alternatively, Taylor has struggled offensively, but is the best option defensively in center by a wide margin. Assuming no other injuries occur, the odds are that Soto will return to the minors, although do not be surprised if Washington goes with seven relievers and keeps the rookie in Washington.

As I have attempted to illustrate, there will be repercussions to the looming roster decisions for the front office in the next 10 days. However, the Nationals are much stronger with these four players healthy and their return can be summarized by the famous Marlo Stanfield quote from “The Wire”: “Sound like one of them good problems.”

*Originally Published at MASNSports.com June 1st, 2018*

Prospect Spotlight – Baltimore Orioles Hunter Harvey

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Hunter Harvey   RHP  Bowie Baysox  (Baltimore Double-A)     Date Evaluated: 5/15/18

Ht: 6-3   Wt: 175lbs     B/T – R/R              Age (as of April 1, 2018): 23 (12/9/94)

Fastball (55/60)   Curveball (50/60)   Changeup (40/45)   Command (40/45)

Baltimore’s 1st round pick in 2013, Harvey has struggled with injuries since being drafted, only throwing 144.1 innings since turning professional.  When healthy, Harvey has produced dominant strikeout numbers from his impressive three-pitch arsenal, while showing enough control for Baltimore to develop him as a starting pitcher.

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The curveball is his best off-speed pitch, sitting 78-81mph with solid 11-5 movement and two-plane depth.  When he stays on top of the ball and does not slow his arm speed, it shows late break and is a swing-and-miss out-pitch.  The curveball is inconsistent, as others will show move “loop” and 10-4 shape, but it is a present “50” and could get to a “60” with repetition.  Finally the changeup sits 83-86mph with promising arm-side run when he maintains his arm speed.  He has a tendency to slow his body, which tips the pitch immediately to the hitter.  Also, when not fully committed to the pitch, it has a tendency to replicate a batting practice fastball rather than a changeup.  It flashes future “45” type potential, but he will need to commit himself to the pitch to reach that potential.

Harvey is an interesting dilemma for Baltimore, as he has the body and the repertoire to be a #4 starting pitcher.  Unfortunately his injury history, combined with his age, lack of experience and lack of confidence in his changeup point toward a shift to relief.  I expect Baltimore to continue to develop him as a starter throughout 2018 and shift him to the bullpen next year, where he projects as a “55” set-up reliever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihds4Nh0DQY