Washington Nationals catching depth hurt by PED suspension

The Washington Nationals have lost Tres Barrera to a PED suspension, further depleting their catching depth for 2020.

The Washington Nationals catching depth has taken a few hits this year. Welington Castillo had decided to opt-out of the season, leaving the Nationals depth much thinner. He had been expected to serve as their third catcher, a vital depth piece in the 60 game sprint.

On Saturday, that depth took another hit. Tres Barrera, another part of the Nationals’ depth, was suspended 80 games for testing positive for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone.

For his part, Barrera stated that he did not know how that substance entered his body, claiming that he has never, and never will, knowingly use a banned substance. Of course, that is the type of statement uttered by virtually every player who gets caught through the testing process.

The now 25 year old made his major league debut last season, getting two plate appearances as a September callup. He failed to get a hit in either of those times at bat, and did not handle a chance in his two innings behind the plate.

The former sixth round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft had been reasonably decent with the bat in the minors. He has a lifetime .259/.336/.399 batting line in 1149 minor league plate appearances, hitting 64 doubles and 25 homers. Barrera has been considered a defensive minded catcher, whose agility and instincts are superlative. His quick release and strong arm allow him to control the running game, and his defense acumen had led to his becoming a favorite of the coaches.

With that profile, Barrera is the type of catcher who could have a respectable career as a defensive minded backup catcher. It is also possible that his bat develops a bit more, as catchers typically develop late offensively. But any development will be on hold until 2021, as his suspension has ended his season before it really began.

The Washington Nationals are already in need of more catching depth. Tres Barrera, who had a chance to get a longer look this season, has been suspended and will not return until some time in 2021.