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There was excitement about Washington Nationals’ top prospect Victor Robles getting his first start as a leadoff hitter in Thursday’s makeup matinee against the Chicago Cubs, however, his first impression came with his arm and glove.
In the first at-bat of the game, Anthony Rizzo singled to centerfield. Given the depth of the ball traveling, Rizzo decided to turn the corner and stretch out for a double, however, Robles flashed his arm strength by flaring a throw on point to throw Rizzo out at second base. Robles reacted as if it was an every day occurrence.
Note to base runners: don’t run on victor Robles pic.twitter.com/acpg52LNS2
— Juan Soto Stan Account (@CaughtLpodcast) September 13, 2018
Robles was not finished with his highlight show, as he added a web gem of a catch. Once again his victim was Rizzo. In the top of the fifth Rizzo hit a fly ball that was headed into the centerfield gap when Robles raced across and laid out for a great diving catch to rob Rizzo of an extra-base hit. Statcast highlights the complexity of the catch Robles made, as he covered 53 feet to make the play.
With two defensive highlights in tow, Robles also went 1-for-3 at the plate and draw a walk. The 21-year old also collected his first stolen base of his MLB career.
Congrats to Victor Robles on his first career @MLB steal! pic.twitter.com/uLqtx077kL
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 13, 2018
Despite the 4-3 loss in extra innings, Robles had an eventful night and showed why the Nationals are banking on his potential materializing for the future. That future more than likely starts with the 2019 season. The combination of Robles with 19-year old sensation Juan Soto has Washington looking for a rebound after a disastrous 2018 season.
