WASHINGTON -- As the Nationals are building toward their future, prospects in their Minor League system have been progressing in their journeys to the Majors. Shortstop Lucius Fox, left-hander Evan Lee and right-hander Jackson Tetreault already made their Major League debuts this year, and there are more young talents inching closer to their callups.
With the first half of the 2022 season nearing its close, Nationals director of player development De Jon Watson shared key insights on some of Washington’s top prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline, ahead of the Nats’ 8-4 loss to the Braves on Friday night at Nationals Park.
RHP Cade Cavalli (No. 1), Triple-A
Key stats: 4-3, 4.31 ERA, 71 innings, 15 starts
After exiting his last start on Tuesday because of a piece of skin that was pulled off his finger, Cavalli has received red light therapy and is expected to throw a bullpen following the All-Star break, then rejoin the starting rotation. (He will sit out of the Futures Game as a precaution.) Watson noted, “He’s in a good place.” When Cavalli, 23, returns to the mound in the second half, the Nats will look for him to continue improving the control of his delivery. He has an MLB Pipeline-projected ETA of this season.
SS Brady House (No. 2), Single-A
Key stat: Has not appeared in a game since June 11
House, 19, is working toward a return from a lower back injury at the Nationals’ training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., which includes improving core strength. Prior to being sidelined, House got off to a hot start with a .341 batting average in April, and then he had to work through the adjustments of seeing breaking balls at a Minor League-leading rate. “Even though it’s been shortened, I think he’s learned a ton in this first year,” Watson said.
RHP Cole Henry (No. 3), Triple-A
Key stats: 1-0, 1.71 ERA, 31 2/3 innings, 9 starts (Double-A and Triple-A)
Henry also is rehabbing from shoulder tightness (no structural damage) in Florida, where he has progressed to playing catch. Henry, 23, posted a dominant 0.76 ERA at the Double-A level, and the Nationals have a plan for him to adjust to being hit harder in Triple-A (4.50 ERA). “Now it's about, ‘how do I build my game strategy against the hitters that I'm facing?’” Watson said. “I think we have the right people in place to help him understand how to utilize his mix.”
RHP Jackson Rutledge (No. 4), Single-A
Key stats: 3-5, 6.08 ERA, 50 1/3 innings, 12 starts
The Nationals are emphasizing limiting free bases with the 23-year-old Rutledge. He has issued one walk or less in eight of his starts, including none in his last outing Friday. “When the walks are down and he’s attacking the strike zone with his weapons in the proper sequence, we’re seeing some positive results,” said Watson.
OF Cristhian Vaquero (No. 5), Dominican Summer League
Key stats: Batting .316 vs. left-handers, .230 vs. right-handers
Vaquero, 17, was the Nationals’ top international free agent signing this year. Watson describes the switch-hitter’s swing as “slashy,” while showing early signs of patience at the plate. “I like how he’s playing,” said Watson. “He plays fast, and he plays hard with some passion.”
RHP Andry Lara (No. 6), Single-A
Key stats: 2-5, 6.03 ERA, 62 2/3 innings, 15 starts
Lara, 19, has made a mark with his velocity. The Nationals would like to see him work on secondary pitches while focusing on his changeup. Watson also noted how Lara has gotten locked in to navigate high-pressure jams. “He's had some ups and some downs, but I think he's growing,” said Watson.
SS Armando Cruz (No. 8), Rookie
Key stat: Batting .354 in first 12 games of July
Only 18, Cruz has made strides at the plate and in the field. He is following a strengthening program for his swing, which includes a weighted bat and a focus on hand speed. “He's exceeded my expectations offensively, which has been wonderful,” Watson said, adding, “He’s such a young player, coming stateside right away, he’s doing a really good job.”
OF Jeremy De La Rosa (No. 13), High-A
Key stat: Promoted from Single-A on July 12 after batting .315
De La Rosa, 20, has impressed with his maturity. Defensively, he has been getting established in center field, while at the plate, he has been slowing the game down to take better swings. “He was in the league last year and it was a little advanced for him,” Watson said. “I think the biggest thing for him is really understanding his approach, offensive approach, staying center field to left-center field and it’s made a tremendous difference for him.”
2B Darren Baker, High-A
Key stat (entering Friday): Multi-hit contests in four of his last five games
Baker is participating in the MLB Futures Game this weekend. Watson described him as being “outstanding” on both sides of the field as he nears advancing to the next level. "Athletic, baseball IQ through the roof,” said Watson. “Defensively, [he’s] been working on some things, he’s trying to move his arm slot over a little bit. But offensively, his approach has been sound. The thing for me is making sure he understands how to handle that ball on the inner third of the plate because I want him to hit more balls in the air.”
RHP Mason Denaburg, Single-A
Key stats: 0-1, 3.94 ERA, 29 2/3 innings, 9 starts
Denaburg, 22, is back on the mound for the first season since 2019 after a series of injuries, including Tommy John surgery. Like Rutledge, he has honed in on limiting walks while getting acclimated to his role. “It’s about the focus and the mindset of being a front-of-the-rotation starter,” Watson said.