The time is now it appears. The Washington Nationals are calling up their top infield prospect Carter Kieboom, according to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.
According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, infielder Jake Knoll, who collected his first MLB hit Wednesday, is being sent back down to Triple-A affiliate Fresno as a possible corresponding move.
The Nationals are reeling with a 11-12 record after going 2-4 on their road trip against Miami and Colorado. They also are nursing a plethora of injuries. Trea Turner is still out indefinitely with a fractured finger. Anthony Rendon is dealing with a bruised elbow after he was too hit by a pitch. Ryan Zimmerman is dealing with a heel injury.
Kieboom is rated as high as 16th among prospects in MLB. He is hitting .379/.506/.636 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 18 games with Fresno.
It was as recent as April 3 that Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo told the Sports Junkies, the Nats “don’t feel that he’s ready to play shortstop in the big leagues on an everyday level” about Kieboom.
With Turner out, the Nationals turned to Wilmer Difo to play short.
However, Difo has struggled at the plate, hitting .246/.316/.362 with two home runs and six RBIs in 18 games.
It’s anyone’s guess what Kieboom’s promotion means for the return of Rendon or the long-term prognosis on Turner. Nonetheless, the 21-year old Kieboom will get an opportunity to prove himself in the big leagues.
