WASHINGTON -- A few spots down from Bryce Harper's corner locker in the Nationals clubhouse, Victor Robles found his new residence, right alongside Juan Soto. Together, Robles and Soto represent Washington's outfield of the future, a glimpse into why the organization insists it will remain competitive for years to come, regardless of what happens in free agency during the offseason.
Robles, the Nats' No. 1 prospect and No. 5 in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline, was promoted to the Majors on Tuesday as the team added six players to the roster as September callups. This will be Robles' first stint with the Nationals this season, after he was sidelined for nearly three months with a hyperextended left elbow after diving for a ball in center field in April, an injury he called "the worst of his career."
The Nationals plan for him to play, something manager Dave Martinez reiterated Tuesday. He was not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Cardinals, but he flied out to center field as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of the Nationals' 11-8 loss. Martinez said he would be sure to find Robles playing time in Washington's crowded outfield.
"It makes me feel very proud to hear that," Robles said through an interpreter. "It gives me the idea that my hard work has paid off and they're actually taking recognition of that."

MILB Video - Title: Watch: Robles exits game - Url: http://www.milb.com/r/video?content_id=1922178983

Robles entered the season as the Nationals outfield prospect garnering the most attention. He seemed destined to force his way into Washington's crowded outfield this season, but the injury nearly ended his season on April 9. Robles said he planned to keep his same aggressive style of play and has no reservations diving for balls in the outfield since his return. And his numbers at the plate this season resemble his old self, as well. In 52 Minor League games, Robles posted a slash line of .276/.371/.370 with 19 stolen bases and a pair of home runs.
"Everybody fell in love with Soto because he's done so well," Martinez said. "He's been incredible. Victor Robles is an unbelievable athlete, and I think he's going to do just as good. I'm looking forward to getting him out there and getting him some playing time."
The only silver lining of Robles' injury for Washington is that it helped lead to the promotion of Soto. Robles, who turned 21 in May, has become close to Soto, as the two players work out together during the offseason in their native Dominican Republic. Robles has watched his friend's success proudly and held out hope that they would share an outfield together soon.
"It was always a thought in our heads," Robles said. "Now that we're here, it's a little bit of a dream come true for both of us. It's always been in the back of our minds, so hopefully we can achieve that."

MILB Video - Title: Watch: Robles triple for 4th hit - Url: http://www.milb.com/r/video?content_id=2457109783

Washington added six players to its roster, recalling Robles, infielder Adrian Sanchez and right-hander Austin Voth from Triple-A Syracuse; reinstating Tuesday's starting pitcher, Erick Fedde, and Joe Ross from the 60-day disabled list; and selecting the contract of right-hander Kyle McGowin from Syracuse. Tommy Milone returned from rehab and his contract was assigned to Triple-A to clear room on the roster.
Zimmerman named Nats' Roberto Clemente Award nominee
Ryan Zimmerman was named the Nationals' nominee for the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the player who best represents baseball through character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field. It's the sixth time he has has been selected as the Nats' representative for the award, having also gotten the nod in 2007, '12-13 and '16-17.
"To be nominated for that award every year is pretty special," Zimmerman said. "I think it kind of shows the ability we have as athletes, the platform that we have to actually make a difference in real-life stuff."
In his 14 seasons with the Nationals, Zimmerman has not only become one of the faces of the community. He is most known for the ziMS Foundation, founded in 2006 by Zimmerman and his family to fight against multiple sclerosis in honor of his mother, Cheryl, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1995. The foundation has raised and donated more than $1.5 million to organizations dedicated to fighting MS.
"Even if I hadn't played here for as long as I had, I think wherever I went I'd like to get involved somehow," he said. "Especially nowadays, sports are too serious. We all want to win, but at the end of the day it's a game of baseball, and there are a lot of people dealing with a lot more serious stuff. Just using your platform, whether you help one person or one million, that's more than you might have had a chance to help if you weren't here."
Worth noting
• Ross will enter the starting rotation on Friday and replace Jefry Rodriguez, who is moving to the bullpen to limit his innings. This will be Ross' first start since July 2017 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
• McGowin, acquired from the Angels in the trade for Danny Espinosa last offseason, is making his first stint in the Majors. He led the Nats' farm system with 152 strikeouts with a 2.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP.
"It still hasn't set in honestly," the 26-year-old McGowin said. "It's been a long journey. A lot of ups and downs. I'm just very thankful and happy to be here."
• Sean Doolittle (left foot) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Wednesday.