MIAMI -- Victor Robles has impressed with his glove and range in center field. Add a power bat to the list of tools for Washington's top prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
The Nats' leadoff hitter belted his first Major League home run -- a solo blast to open the third inning and extend Washington's lead to 2-0 -- in Monday night's 8-5 loss at Marlins Park.
Robles turned on a 90-mph, four-seam fastball from Marlins starter Trevor Richards and drove it just above the 427-foot sign in left-center field.
"It feels spectacular," said Robles, who credits the confidence in his swing to a small adjustment of simply opening his front leg. "I'm very excited. It's one of those things that when you get up here you hope for and you wait for it to come, and when it does, that feeling overwhelms you and it's just indescribable."
Robles' first big league homer left the bat with an exit velocity of 105.4 mph, according to Statcast™. He hit 28 homers in four-plus Minor League seasons and made his Major League debut on Sept. 7, 2017.
"He's exciting," said manager Dave Martinez. "We knew he had some pop. He's going to be really good. I like the way he's playing."
Robles said he was fine with trading a signed bat for the home run ball. Asked where the ball would wind up, Robles did not hesitate to answer.
"That's for me," he said.