Washington Nationals news & notes: Keibert Ruiz; Nats’ road trip + more…

Keibert Ruiz continues playing:

Kaibert Ruiz made his major debut in . los angeles dodgers He then appeared in 23 games with the Washington Nationals in 2021, and after being traded at deadline as part of Max Scherzer’s deal with Trea Turner, made his first full season in the majors in 2022 to .251/.313/. Finished with 360. In 112 games, he had 22 doubles, 7 homers, 433 plate appearances, .992 fld%, and 20 runners stolen (CS% of 28% over 71 trials), and four runners picked first base in the 1.7 fWAR campaign.

Lewis appeared in 112 games last season, starting 98th at bat. testicular contusion) ends the season in early September.

He’s started 11 of 13 games for the Knots this year, including all three games for the LA Angels this week, and Nationals manager Davey Martinez said he’s been in California He told reporters before Wednesday afternoon’s series finale in Anaheim that he plans to keep Lewis. I’m there regularly while getting backup Riley Adams once or twice a week.

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

“He’s been great. He’s in good shape,” the sixth-year skipper told Lewis’ reporters before the finale at Angel Stadium.

“I had these conversations with him before. So he’s trying to get a chance to play today, and tomorrow is a day off, so he’s done well.

“The biggest thing, and I think he’s aware, this is the age of gaming, right? It doesn’t take long. He said, ‘I’m not so tired anymore because the game is going so fast. “Is called.

With Lewis playing nearly every day, Adams has only started two games so far this season, but that was the plan and everyone involved realized it earlier this spring, Martinez said. I was.

“I spoke with him before the season started. [Ruiz] Expect to get most of the catch. [Adams] We might play once or twice a week, so make sure you’re ready,” Martinez said.

According to the manager, this trend will continue.

“When we start — it’s still early, so when we start, I may have to give. [Ruiz] some holidays. Pick a spot where you can get Riley there and move both of them.

“But for the most part, we want Kibert to catch maybe 125-130 games.”

In Wednesday afternoon’s loss, the Angels stole two bases from Lewis (and starter Mackenzie Gore), who threw just one of seven runners (14% CS%) earlier this season ( CS% 14%). Future number one catcher.

“I think he’s opening up a little bit. The ball is starting to follow him a little bit,” Martinez said. [Catching and Strategy Coach] Henry [Blanco]put his foot back under him and see if he can’t stop the ball from trailing. [today]Lewis was charged with throwing error.

Road Trip!!!:

The Washington Nationals have dropped five of the six games they played in the season-opening homestand, and manager Davey Martinez has spoken about turning things around after a rough start to the season after six games.

“We’re going to get better,” Martinez told reporters. I hope, believe me, but I take no responsibility.It’s not the first week of the season, but if you want to compete here, you need to get better quickly.”

“We had to play together as a team,” he added. I mean, just play good team baseball and it will happen. We’re on tour now, we’re on the plane, we’re going to play our home opener against Colorado, and we’re aiming to win tomorrow. “

They failed to win the Rockies’ home opener, but played a close 1-0 at Coors Field, ultimately splitting the four-game series. the third game (with losses of 2-0 and 3-2) at Angel Stadium.

“I think we’ve loosened up a little bit away, playing better, defending better,” Martinez said after the finale in Anaheim.

“Pitchers keep us in the ball game. Our starting pitchers have kept us in the ball game. I think that’s the key. We’re catching baseballs. Keep them going.” One-run games can go either way, but hopefully you can start winning those games as well.”

In postgame comments after three of three games against the Angels, the skipper for the Knots said he saw positive signs from the club on the road trip.

“I think we played really well,” he told reporters. Now I need to hone my drive with a run from third base with less than two outs, so that’s the point, I’ve got to keep working on that, but the boys are fighting. I’m proud of the way we’re coming out and playing the game, we’re playing with a lot of energy and that’s for everyone to see, so we have to keep fighting and we’ll see you tomorrow. I’ve taken the day off, I’ll be back on Friday with the day off I need.”

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