Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles reported to Triple-A Rochester Wednesday following his demotion Tuesday. He wanted to get back on the field. Upon reporting and learning he was not initially in the lineup, Robles expressed his eagerness to manager Matt LeCroy, according to Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post.
After being inserted at leadoff, Robles ripped a triple on the first pitch he saw. Then after a throwing error, skipped home for a Little League homer.
Robles was once touted higher than Juan Soto, believe it or not. He played in 155 games plus 14 in the playoffs en route to the Nationals’ 2019 World Series title. It appeared he was set to be the center fielder of the future. However, he struggled over the past two seasons His glaring discrepancy at the plate altered his status with the club for the worse.
This season, Robles has a career-low .203 batting average and .295 slugging percentage. His discipline at the plate has long drawn the ire of manager Dave Martinez. He’s drawn 81 walks while striking out 296 times in 1,268 career plate appearances.
With the emergence of recently-acquired Lane Thomas and him falling out of favor, Robles was optioned to the Red Wings to work on his swing and regain his confidence.
Martinez said there is no time frame for Robles returning. That first at-bat was a great start in his journey to getting back in the majors. If he can continue to be relied on as a leadoff hitter and display his blazing speed, a resurgence could be in store for Victor Robles.
More must-reads: