In a remarkable start to the 2026 season, Washington Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer is making waves. On Monday at Citizens Bank Park, Wiemer had a chance to etch his name in baseball history. Not too shabby for someone who was designated for assignment just last offseason.
Wiemer, an under-the-radar prospect, matched a 75-year-old record set by Carlos Delgado in 2002 by reaching base safely in his first 10 at-bats with the Nationals. As he stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning, with the Nationals holding a commanding 7-0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, pitcher Taijuan Walker mixed his pitches expertly. Walker threw a 77-mph slider, an 88-mph sinker, an 80-mph slider, a 90-mph sinker, and a 73-mph curve, ultimately inducing a groundout back to the mound from Wiemer.
Though he didn't break the record, Wiemer still shared a piece of baseball immortality.
Wiemer’s impressive start
Wiemer entered the Nationals' 13-2 victory over the Phillies as a standout No. 9 hitter. During the season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs, he reached base in all eight plate appearances, tallying six hits and two walks.
This effort tied an expansion-era record for consecutive times reaching base with a new team. Additionally, he set a franchise record by homering in the first two games of the season.
For a player who seemed to have no future with the rebuilding Miami Marlins-who waived him after just 27 games last season-Wiemer’s resurgence is noteworthy. On Monday, he went 2-for-4, scored two runs, and drew a walk, helping the Nationals improve to 3-1 while the Phillies fell to 1-3 in their opening homestand.
Joey Wiemer is proving that sometimes, all you need is a fresh start to make a lasting impression.