The Washington Nationals are turning to a pair of reliable veterans to start in their two biggest position openings. Manager Davey Martinez announced Sunday, Starlin Castro will start at third base while Josh Harrison will get the bulk of the start at second base, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.
Castro is day-to-day with hamstring strain. But, he is expected to be ready for Opening Night against the New York Mets on Apr. 1.
The Nationals entered Spring Training with 23-year old prospect Carter Kieboom penciled in at third base. Meanwhile, 20-year old Luis Garcia had ample looks to earn second base. However, both struggled. Kieboom hit .131 with a .204 on-base percentage in 45 at-bats. Garcia was slightly better hitting .211/.318/.660 with one home run and six RBIs in 38 at-bats. Both were optioned to Triple-A affiliate Rochester on Saturday.
Castro, 31, is in the second of a two-year deal he signed with the Nationals in January 2020. He hit .267/.302/.450 with two home runs and four RBIs in 16 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Castro has played 44 of 1,486 career games at third base. But, the Nationals feel confident he can play the corner on routine basis.
Harrison, 33, signed a one-year contract in October to return to the Nationals after spending last season in Washington. The two-time All-Star hit .278/.352/.418 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 33 games last year. Harrison has caught a rythym at the plate during spring games, hitting .429 with two homers and seven RBIs.
Jordy Mercer and Hernan Perez are expected to be options for second and third off the bench. Both were non-roster invites whom earned spots on Washington’s Opening Day roster.
Mercer, a .257 career-hitter, was an everyday player during his sevens seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now at 34 years of age, he’ll provide flexibility when Martinez wants shake up the lineup or give a day off, as he can play all four infield positions.
Perez, 30, is the most intriguing. He has experience at all eight field positions, including catcher. He’s hit .289 with seven RBIs in 38 at-bats this spring.
The Nationals’ decisions with their roster, turning to veteran options at second and third echoes the sentiment the club wants to win now. While Kieboom and Garcia continue to working at their development, Castro and Harrison will line up alongside Josh Bell and Trea Turner along the infield in 2021.
