The Nationals introduced they’ve positioned infielder Alcides Escobar on unconditional launch waivers. The transfer clears an energetic roster spot for Luke Voit, who is predicted to affix the membership tomorrow. Washington’s 40-man roster rely drops to 39.
Escobar has spent the previous season and a half within the nation’s capital. The veteran had been taking part in on a minor league deal when the Nats acquired him final July whereas Trea Turner was battling an harm. Washington introduced Escobar virtually instantly to the large leagues, and he grew to become the first shortstop after Turner was dealt to the Dodgers on the commerce deadline. It was his first MLB motion in three years, and the longtime Kansas Metropolis shortstop acquitted himself properly.
Via 349 plate appearances, Escobar hit .288/.340/.404 with 4 residence runs and a trio of steals. He didn’t stroll usually or hit for a lot energy, however he solely struck out at a 16% clip and hit for a excessive sufficient batting common to stay productive. Unsurprisingly, he now not rated as extremely with the glove as he had at his peak, however he was a beneficial sufficient skilled presence that Washington signed him to a $1MM extension final October.
Escobar’s 2022 manufacturing hasn’t been good, nonetheless. He’s seen his offensive output plummet to .218/.260/.282 via 131 journeys to the plate. He’s placing out extra usually than common (24.4%) for the primary time in his profession, and he’s collected simply six extra-base hits (4 doubles and two triples). Escobar has additionally been charged with 5 errors in 307 2/3 innings at shortstop, and he’s misplaced taking part in time because the rebuilding Nats have appeared to youthful gamers. Luis García has taken over as the first shortstop, and whereas the 22-year-old is miscast there, Washington simply introduced in rookie shortstop C.J. Abrams within the Juan Soto commerce.
Given Escobar’s struggles, it’s exhausting to examine one other crew claiming him on waivers. The 35-year-old could be a free agent if he passes via unclaimed and appears more likely to discover minor league alternatives elsewhere.
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