The Nationals have positioned Joey Gallo on the 10-day injured checklist, as the primary baseman/outfielder is coping with an AC sprain in his left shoulder, per a workforce announcement. Outfielder Alex Name was promoted from Triple-A to take Gallo’s spot on the energetic roster. (The Speak Nats weblog reported earlier at this time that Name was headed to the majors, however the corresponding transfer wasn’t recognized on the time.)
Gallo signed a one-year, $5M free-agent deal over the offseason, and he has labored principally as Washington’s on a regular basis first baseman with just a few appearances as a nook outfielder and DH. Gallo had seen extra work within the outfield since Lane Thomas went to the 10-day IL earlier this week, however with Gallo, Thomas and Victor Robles all now out of motion, Name figures to get a very good chunk of enjoying time within the interim.
Regardless of Gallo’s place, the offensive manufacturing hasn’t been there. The veteran has struggled to a .122/.286/.311 slash line over 91 plate appearances, with three homers and a MLB-leading 43 strikeouts. This 47.3% strikeout price is excessive even by Gallo’s profession requirements, and whereas his 16.5% stroll price may be very robust, Gallo merely isn’t making sufficient contact. The rebuilding Nationals have been hoping Gallo would hit effectively sufficient to be a commerce chip on the deadline, but for now, he’ll first should focus simply on getting wholesome earlier than he can look to show issues round on the plate.