The Nationals had a difficult week, as they dropped both series they played. They lost 2 out of 3 versus both the New York Mets and the Houston Astros. There were, however, some bright spots as they hit quality starters in Tylor Megill and Cristian Javier very hard. Let’s try to wipe those bad series off our minds, and get into our players of the week.
Hitter of the Week
DH Nelson Cruz
Runner up OF Juan Soto
For the first time this season, Nelson Cruz has looked like the slugger of old. Cruz flat out raked with a .364/.417/.545 triple slash, hitting a homer and massive 3 runs, 2 out double. While Juan Soto had a higher OPS, Cruz was clutch, as he led the Nats in RBI and walked as much as he struck out. It’s good to see Nelson back, and hopefully, he can keep something like this up.
Starter of the Week
Patrick Corbin
Runner up Aaron Sanchez
It’s a shame. Patrick had a great week ruined by three bad pitches vs. HOU. That’s not to say that he had a bad week, as he ended it with a 4.09 ERA. I’d be quite happy if Corbin ended the year with a number around that. Much like most other weeks, this ultimately results from bad pitching on the Nats’ part rather than exceptional play by the winner.
Reliever of the Week
Erasmo Ramirez
Runner up Austin Voth
It’s often not a great sign when a reliever throws more innings than a starter, and Ramirez (4.1) pitched more than two Nats starters in Erick Fedde and Joan Adon. Ramirez was near impeccable, as he wasn’t charged with a run. He’s generally an underappreciated bullpen member, often grouped with the B ‘pen. That shouldn’t be slight. The B bullpen’s job is to eat innings, clean up messes, and preserve leads. Erasmo excelled and is by far the most worthy of this honor.
Prospect of the Week
LHP Matt Cronin (12)
Runner up OF Jeremy De La Rosa (14)
Matt Cronin hasn’t given up a run all week. In fact, he hasn’t given up a run all year! This may be weekly awards, but I’ll take you through his full season. In 13 innings over 11 games, Cronin has a 0.00 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 12.15 ERA! He is absolutely a name to watch!
Those are the candidates; please check out our Twitter feed as we will be voting on who should win MVP of the Week
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