Neither Max Scherzer or Anthony Rendon will play in Tuesday's All-Star Game. But on Sunday, top prospect Carter Kieboom did the Nationals proud in the 2019 MLB Futures Game.
Things got off to an awkward start pre-game, however, as Kieboom's name was spelled wrong on the back of his jersey.
The mistake was fixed, and once the game began, Kieboom played a starring role. He started at shortstop for the National League team, making an excellent defensive play in the third inning before lining a single to left field in the fourth and scoring the game's first run later in the frame.
Kieboom was pulled in the bottom of the fourth inning, but it was an encouraging performance on a national stage for the 21-year-old after his rough 11-game stint with the Nats earlier in the season during which he hit just .128, struck out 16 times, and comitted four errors. But in 67 games with Triple-A Fresno this season, Kieboom is batting .320 with 14 home runs, 61 RBI, and a 1.022 OPS.
"Definitely it's beneficial to be exposed to the big leagues. I learned so much up there. It matured me as a player in a lot of aspects," Kieboom told MLB.com.
And if he can continue playing like he did Sunday, Kieboom might earn himself another call-up when rosters expand on Sept. 1.
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