The Nationals announced that they have recalled first baseman Abimelec Ortiz from Triple-A Rochester. Ortiz will be making his major league debut when he gets into a game. Left-hander Matt Krook was designated for assignment to make space on the active roster. With Krook’s designation, the team has an open spot on their 40-man roster.
Ortiz was acquired along with four other prospects when the Nationals dealt MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers in January. MLB.com counts Ortiz as one of Milwaukee’s Top 30 prospects, and he’s earned that reputation with his production at Triple-A this year. In 304 plate appearances there, he’s hit 16 home runs while striking out less than 20% of the time and walking at an above-average 10.2% clip. All told, Ortiz’s line of .235/.332/.481 amounts to a 107 wRC+ despite a .243 average on balls in play, so he’s proven himself well against Triple-A pitching.
More to come.