Nationals Rumors: Washington not Targeting Outfielders
By Editorial Staff
After Jayson Werth’s injury, rumors began flying that the Washington Nationals would turn to the trade market and look to acquire an outfielder. While this could still happen later in the summer, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told Bill Ladson of MLB.com that he’s hoping his club can get by using a platoon of Xavier Nady and Roger Bernadina until Werth is able to return.
Even before Werth’s injury the Nationals were one of the worst offensive teams in the majors. As of today, the Nationals rank 27th in the league in runs, 23rd in batting average (.239), 17th in on base percentage (.311) and 26th in slugging percentage (.357).
While Werth was showing improvement compared to his abysmal 2011 season and top prospect Bryce Harper has gotten off to a hot start, the Nationals have still only received a combined .391 (left) and .687 (right) OPS from their corner outfield positions.
For these reasons the Nationals could have been on the hunt for additional offense before Werth’s injury. Now, with the absence of their $126 million man, many figured the Nationals would at least explore potential bats.
However, for the time being, Rizzo said he is content seeing how Xavier Nady and Roger Bernadina handle a platoon role for the Nationals.
At this point neither player has shown an ability to handle even a reserve role for the club, as Nady and Bernadina are currently sporting OPS’s of .347 and .572.
The duo’s career numbers are a bit more promising but don’t figure to instill great confidence in Nationals fans. Over their major league careers Nady, a right-handed hitter, has maintained a .795 OPS versus southpaws, while Bernadina, a lefty, has held a .677 OPS against right-handers.
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