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Nationals Adding More Talent To Majors by Calling Up Triple-A Bat Dog

Originally posted on Washington Nationals on SI
By Michael Brauner | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The Washington Nationals are making perhaps their biggest promotion yet from Triple-A Rochester.

Bruce the Bat Dog -- a nearly two-year old golden retriever who has delighted the fans in upstate New York -- is being called up to the Major Leagues for his debut this Saturday for Pups in the Park.

According to a story from Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, the promotion for Bruce is going to come with a press conference, a pregame recognition and an actual honorary bat retrieval as the star prospect finally gets to show what he's got in The Show.

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Both Bruce and Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy appeared in a hilarious viral video from the organization breaking the news of the call-up.

14/10 mlb call-up pic.twitter.com/DsUZMzVOtM
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 10, 2025

"Our fans and front office are always excited to see our players get promoted to the Nationals, but Bruce’s promotion is a historic call-up to the big leagues that he richly deserves," said Rochester general manager Dan Mason. "Nobody makes people smile more than Bruce, and I’m sure he’ll do a WOOFtastic job for the Nats! He has proven himself to be ready for the show in a very short time and has earned the phenom status that has been bestowed upon him."

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In addition to the special pregame ceremonies surrounding Bruce, there is also going to be a very special cause -- Wolf Trap Animal Rescue -- in section 143 that will have puppies available for adoption.

So not only can Nationals fans catch the debut of their new franchise icon, but they can also go home with a new friend and help support a great cause.

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For more Nationals coverage, head over to Nationals On SI.

This article first appeared on Washington Nationals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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