Nationals plan to bring Robles back to bigs

Nationals plan to bring Robles back to bigs

September 3rd, 2018
Washington Nationals' Victor Robles rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Friday, March 2, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)Jeff Roberson/AP

WASHINGTON -- Outfielder is nearing a return to the big leagues.
The Nationals are expected to recall Robles, their No. 1 prospect (and No. 5 in baseball) per MLB Pipeline, as soon as Tuesday, manager Dave Martinez said prior to Monday's series opener vs. the Cardinals.
Robles batted .250/.308/.458 with a double, two triples and four RBIs in 13 games for Washington in September 2017, flashing glimpses of his dynamic all-around skill set. Perhaps most notably, the young phenom averaged a sprint speed of 30.9 feet per second, per Statcast™, on his 13 competitive runs toward the end of last season.
"Robles brings a lot of energy," Martinez said. "I want to see him play."
The Nats thought the 21-year-old would be a bigger part of their 2018 plans before he hyperextended his left elbow while diving for a fly ball in his fourth game of the season for Triple-A Syracuse. The injury cost him three months of playing time.
Robles returned to the Chiefs' lineup on July 7 and is hitting .273/.352/.377 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 39 games overall while stealing 14 bases.
Martinez expressed excitement when speaking about having Robles alongside National League Rookie of the Year candidate Juan Soto in his outfield for the stretch run.
"If you can only imagine having a Robles and a Soto, as young as they are, in the same outfield, that's pretty good," he said. "I'm looking forward to watching those guys play side by side."
Romero undergoes Tommy John
Nationals 2017 first-round pick Seth Romero, the club's No. 7 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, underwent Tommy John surgery last week, the club confirmed on Monday.
Romero was the No. 25 overall selection out of the University of Houston in 2017 and was 0-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 25 1/3 innings across seven starts for Class A Hagerstown in '18. The 22-year-old southpaw does not have a timetable for a return.
Ross nearly ready to go
Right-hander Joe Ross, on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, is expected to be activated on Tuesday. According to Martinez, Ross could make starts before season's end.