This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
WASHINGTON -- Dylan Crews and James Wood are one level away from the Major Leagues -- together.
Crews (the Nationals’ No. 2 prospect and No. 6 in MLB) was promoted from Double-A Harrisburg to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. He joins Wood (the Nationals’ No. 1 prospect and No. 4 overall), who has been with the Red Wings all season and was activated from the injured list that same day.
“We made it this far with not trying to rush these guys, and we’re going to continue to do that and make sure that they’re ready,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said on Tuesday. “The big thing is to get them up here and have them stay up here. For me, that’s big. I’ve been excited all winter -- I really have -- to see these guys.”
Playing in his first full season of pro baseball, Crews -- the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 Draft -- earned his promotion to the Red Wings after slashing .274/.343/.446 with a .789 OPS, 11 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 38 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 51 games with the Senators.
Wood got off to a head-turning start in his first Triple-A experience, being named International League Player of the Month. He slashed .355/.465/.596 with a 1.061 OPS, 13 doubles, nine home runs, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 45 games prior to going on the IL on May 28 due to a left hamstring strain.
On Tuesday night, Crews played center field and went 0-for-5 in his Red Wings debut. Wood played left field, going 0-for-2 with a walk in his return.
“They get to watch each other play,” Martinez said. “For me, when you’ve got two guys like that, with that much talent, I would imagine that they’re going to push each other a little bit, too. When you’re down there, you’re always competing -- not only against the other team, but amongst your teammates, as well, just to push them to get better.”
Crews and Wood are growing the foundation they built in Spring Training. They were among the Nationals' top prospects who participated in big league camp. The organization wanted the emerging group to develop chemistry, and they did so along with third baseman Brady House (the Nationals' No. 3 prospect and MLB's No. 36), outfielder Robert Hassell III (Nationals' No. 8 prospect) and infielders Trey Lipscomb (No. 16) and Darren Baker (No. 23) for more than a month in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“They’re going to play side-by-side to each other, so it will be fun to keep up and watch those guys,” said Martinez. “... They’re a big part of our future here, and the future’s looking bright. The fact that they’re up at the highest level of the Minor Leagues only tells me that they’re getting close.”
Lile earns Double-A promotion
With Crews promoted from the Senators, outfielder Daylen Lile (No. 7) was called up to Harrisburg from High-A Wilmington.
Lile hit .271 with three homers, 24 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 57 games with the Blue Rocks.
“I love him,” said Martinez. “The kid plays with passion, I’ve known that since I’ve seen him. … He plays the game the right way -- he hits the ball hard, he plays unbelievable defense and he runs the bases really well.
“I’m proud that he’s already going to Double-A. He’s a young kid, but he’s in Double-A and pushing to get up here.”
Martinez also noted he is glad Lile will get playing time alongside No. 17 prospect Andrew Pinckney in the Blue Rocks' outfield.