The first prospect from the MacKenzie Gore trade has arrived: the Nationals announced Sunday that they have recalled first baseman Abimelec Ortiz from Triple-A Rochester, and he is hitting third as the designated hitter for Sunday’s first-half finale against the Yankees.
To make room on the 26-man roster, LHP Matt Krook was designated for assignment.
Ortiz, 24, was slashing .235/.332/.481 with 17 doubles, 16 homers, and 59 RBI in 71 games at Rochester, and gives Blake Butera another left-handed bat against Yankees righty Will Warren.
He learned of his call-up later Saturday night and drove seven hours from Rochester to get to D.C. – and per Mark Zuckerman, his parents had a similar journey, flight delays from their native Puerto Rico meaning they didn’t land in the area until 3 a.m.
“Probably the seven quickest hours of my life,” Ortiz told Zuckerman, via interpreter Mauricio Ortiz. “I had my wife by my side, so that really helped. I’m just really excited for all this. A lot of sacrifice to get here, by my dad especially, also my mom.”
Just thought he was swinging the bat well, particularly against right-handed pitchers,” Butera added. “Just thought this would be a good opportunity for him.”
Krook was claimed over waivers from the Athletics on July 4 and made three appearances for the Nationals, including pitching in both games of the Yankees series so far. The 31-year-old allowed two runs in 2 2/3 innings over those outings.
Because of Krook’s DFA and Miles Mikolas’ suspension, the Nationals have just 11 pitchers for Sunday’s series finale, but do have Andrew Alvarez on regular rest available in relief behind Cade Cavalli.
LHP Matt Krook DFA to make room on the roster for Ortiz
LHP Matt Krook DFA to make room on the roster for Ortiz
