The Nationals made some notable roster moves, sending Josiah Gray, Robert Hassell III, and Julian Fernandez to Triple-A Rochester, while Zach Penrod heads to minor league camp. Let’s dive into why Gray and Hassell, two prominent names, are starting their season in the minors.
Hassell’s demotion might catch some off guard, but with the Nationals’ deep outfield pool, it makes sense. The competition is fierce with players like James Wood, Daylen Lile, Dylan Crews, Jacob Young, Christian Franklin, and Joey Wiemer all vying for spots.
Hassell, being a lefty, faced tough competition from fellow left-handers Wood and Lile. Franklin and Wiemer’s ability to hit left-handed pitching might have given them the edge.
Hassell’s initial big league stint was challenging, reflected in a .572 OPS. Although he outperformed Dylan Crews this spring with a .631 OPS and a .286 average, he still needs to either find more power or reduce strikeouts in Triple-A. Hassell is well-rounded but needs to excel in one area to stand out.
Despite starting in Triple-A, Hassell could make his way back to the majors this season, especially if Crews struggles and Hassell shines in the minors. However, in such a crowded field, he’ll need to make a strong impression.
Josiah Gray’s move to Triple-A seems strategic, allowing him to regain form after missing significant time due to Tommy John Surgery. While he’s healthy, the extra time in the minors will help him ramp up. The Nationals’ rotation features Cade Cavalli, Zack Littell, Foster Griffin, Miles Mikolas, and Jake Irvin, with Mikolas and Irvin on short leashes due to the team’s pitching depth.
Gray’s velocity has been a concern, dropping from 94 mph to the 90-92 range. Yet, his breaking pitches remain strong, aligning with the Nationals’ philosophy of reducing fastball usage if it’s not a strength. This stint in the minors gives Gray a chance to re-establish himself and potentially return to his 2023 form.
Both Hassell and Gray are likely to get their opportunities this season, but they won’t be on the Opening Day roster. With more roster decisions looming, the Nationals are inching closer to finalizing their lineup.