Nationals’ Prospects Make MLB History in Debut Against Marlins
The Washington Nationals marked a historic moment on September 4, 2023, as two of their prospects made their Major League Baseball debuts simultaneously during a game against the Miami Marlins. Left-handed pitcher Andrew Alvarez took the mound, while catcher C.J. Stubbs stood behind the plate. According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, this event is only the second time in team history that a pitcher-catcher duo made their debuts together.
Alvarez replaced the injured MacKenzie Gore, while Stubbs was called up to fill in for the sidelined Drew Millas. Both players had previously collaborated at the Triple-A level, providing them with a degree of familiarity as they stepped onto the big stage. With MLB rosters expanding to 28 players for September, it is likely that Alvarez and Stubbs will remain with the Nationals for the remainder of the season.
Who is Andrew Alvarez?
While not on the Nationals’ top prospect list, Alvarez’s performance has warranted his promotion. Drafted in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft from Cal Poly, he has demonstrated potential during his time in Triple-A. This season, Alvarez made 25 starts, achieving a 4.10 earned run average (ERA) over 123.0 innings pitched. He struck out 114 batters, although his 52 walks could raise concerns regarding his control. Still, the Nationals have expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the major league level.
Who is C.J. Stubbs?
C.J. Stubbs, drafted in the 10th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, also lacks a prominent spot on the Nationals’ prospect rankings. His promotion might surprise some observers, especially given his performance at the plate, where he has struggled with a slash line of .161/.312/.290 over 24 games for the Rochester Red Wings. His strikeout rate exceeds 30%, indicating challenges in making contact.
Despite these offensive issues, the Nationals opted to promote Stubbs due to the injury to Millas. The team is not contending for a postseason spot this year, allowing them the flexibility to evaluate new talent. Defensively, Stubbs has proven to be a formidable presence, having thrown out 28 baserunners across two levels this season, including 15 in just 24 games at Triple-A. While his batting may need improvement, his defensive skills provide him a foundation to contribute positively in September.
The Nationals’ decision to debut Alvarez and Stubbs showcases their commitment to developing young talent even as they endure a challenging season. As the team looks toward the future, the performances of these prospects could signal a brighter outlook for the franchise.
