Severino, Rivero among Nats' AFL-bound prospects

PHILADELPHIA -- The Arizona Fall League announced its preliminary rosters for the 2014 season on Tuesday, and seven players in the Nationals' organization will head west to compete in the six-week league that begins its season on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

"Approximately 60 percent of our players will reach the Major Leagues," AFL director Steve Cobb said. "We want fans to know top young professional talent still will be playing baseball in October and November in Arizona."

Left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero, the Nats' No. 17 prospect, and catcher Pedro Severino (No. 12) are among the AFL-bound prospects. Rivero has thrown 49 innings and made 13 starts in the Minors this season, compiling a 3.49 ERA and a 42/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Severino, meanwhile, has logged 89 games and 274 at-bats with Class A Advanced Potomac in 2014 and has a .248 batting average with eight homers and 31 RBIs.

Other Nats pitching prospects on the AFL team include lefty Matt Grace, righty Neil Holland and righty Derek Self. Second baseman Tony Renda (No. 18) and catcher Spencer Keiboom round out the Nationals' representatives.