Washington Nationals: Prospect Raudy Read spoils a great opportunity
Washington Nationals prospect Raudy Read received an 80 game suspension for a failed drug test. Unfortunately, the suspension spoils an excellent opportunity for the young catcher.
When an athlete is suspended for breaking the rules, fans never forget. Those who fail drug tests are marked with a scarlet letter. The latest to wear one is Washington Nationals prospect Raudy Read.
Read will sit out the first 80 games of the 2018 season due to a failed drug test. Read tested positive for a banned substance, Boldenone. Like many before him, the response was outright denial — this won’t help Read return to action sooner. A failed drug test has no do-over.
Though Read will surely feel the wrath of some fans, the one he disappointed most is himself.
How Raudy Read Wasted a Golden Opportunity
Raudy Read’s suspension takes him out of contention to win the Washington Nationals backup catcher job. Viewed as an underdog option to suit up behind Matt Wieters, Read’s chances are now entirely gone. With him on the sidelines, the job will go to Pedro Severino or Miguel Montero.
Of course, the Nationals could always bring in someone via trade or free agency instead. A J.T. Realmuto or Jonathan Lucroy level player could even push Wieters into the role.
Read’s MLB debut last year came as somewhat of a surprise. After spending most of his season in Double-A with the Harrisburg Senators, Read finished the season with the Nationals. The results were promising.
In his 11 trips to the plate, Read picked up a trio of hits. This capped off a productive 108 games played in Double-A. During that time, Read slashed .265/.312/.455. More notably, the 23-year-old knocked 17 home runs.
The numbers may not stand out to everyone. However, when considering the lack of catching talent in the Nationals’ system from top to bottom, they do look promising.
Fallout From the Suspension
The suspension likely won’t force the Washington Nationals to make any other moves. Pedro Severino and Miguel Montero are suitable enough backups. This unfortunate incident will not cause the Nationals to finally upgrade over Matt Wieters. If they wanted to do so, it would happen regardless.
As a result of the suspension, Raudy Read may now start the season in Double-A again. In fact, missing half of the season may lead to a demotion. Fellow catching prospect Taylor Gushue hit well enough to earn his playing time in 2018. Taking away at-bats from him in favor of Read isn’t fair.
Next: Phil Coke eyeing MLB return after stint in Japan
Read can bounce back quickly from this suspension. He will, however, always carry this scar. Whether he knew the banned substance was going into his body or not is irrelevant. He hurt his franchise, his teammates, and his future. The best he can do now is to apologize and pick up where he left off at the plate in 2017.