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Washington Nationals: Wander Suero is this year’s Koda Glover

By Tim Boyle

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 7: Fans cheer prior to game one of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 7, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 7: Fans cheer prior to game one of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 7, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /
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In 2017, young Washington Nationals relief pitcher Koda Glover won over many fans in Spring Training. This year, it’s Wander Suero’s turn to do the same.

Whatever happened to the Koda Glover hype train from last year? The young Washington Nationals pitcher seems to have disappeared completely from the radar. Previously viewed as a potential breakout star of 2017, injuries derailed what should have been his first full MLB season, possibly ending with him in the closer role.

Unfortunately, Glover is still battling ailments. It’s quite possible he begins this upcoming year on the disabled list. Luckily, the Nationals can turn to Wander Suero as a possible replacement.

Normally, it’s tough to get excited about a relief pitcher who has been in the minor leagues for eight years. This is the situation for Suero. The 26-year-old Dominican Republic product has been with the Nationals organization since 2010. Last year marked his long-awaited first trip to Triple-A. Based on how he did, the promotion was overdue.

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In the 36 games he appeared in for the Syracuse Chiefs, Suero earned his way onto the Nationals’ 40-man roster for this upcoming year.A 3-1 record, 1.70 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP highlighted Suero’s time with the Chiefs last season. He was almost as good in his 18 games with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, too.

Clearly, Suero is on the uptick. Can he earn his way onto the Nationals’ roster?

On Friday, Suero appeared in the first Spring Training game for the Washington Nationals against the Houston Astros. All three batters he faced struck out. Granted, A.J. Reed is the most notable name on the list of victims. Regardless of who it was, Suero had a distinct advantage over his opponents.

Wander Suero’s role with the 2018 Washington Nationals

It will take a truly dominant spring for Wander Suero to make his way onto the Washington Nationals Opening Day roster. Injuries will also help him, but let’s hope he makes it there by other means.

The Nationals could surprise us and open the year with a smaller bench. Together, Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo can cover the entire field other than catcher. Add Matt Adams and Pedro Severino, the Nationals can forego a five-man bench for at least a few days.

Suero’s final destination with the Nationals may go further than originally anticipated. He worked as a closer regularly last year, setting up for some good competition with Koda Glover for the gig in the future.

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Thus far, Glover has done little to impress me at the MLB level. Any opportunity Suero gets to pitch in the big leagues should be watched closely. Sean Doolittle isn’t going to stay in D.C. forever. One day, the Nationals will need to turn elsewhere. Could they finally do it with a homegrown talent like Suero?

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