Victor Robles latest base-running blunder cost Nationals

The Nationals should have had runners on first and third with one out and Trea Turner and Juan Soto due up. That would have allowed a fly ball to score Castro for the game-tying run. Instead, Turner came up with a runner on third needing a hit to extend the game. Turner popped out at second to end the game.

Following the 2-1 loss, Robles said he understood he was the game-winning run and wanted to get in position for Turner or Soto to hit him and Castro in.

However, Martinez didn’t see it the same way as Robles.

“Honestly, I thought it was poor,” Martinez said per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. “Not a very smart decision.”

Martinez added Robles was clearly trying to do something to help the team. But it’s been that way all season, players trying to overcompensate for their lack of offense.

Robles, who was once highly-touted coming into the majors, has continued to struggle offensively. Known for his gold-caliber glove at center field, Robles is hitting just .226/.339/.308 this season.

Washington has longed for him to assume the lead-off spot in the batting order. However, he’s unreliable at the plate, forcing Martinez to plug his best two hitters, Turner and Soto, at the top of the order. Last week, Martinez essentially said Robles inability to bat lead-off is holding up the offense.

Now, the 24-year old’s struggles aren’t the lone issues with the Nationals’ struggling offense. But, his maturation is preventing the team from a strong top of the order with Turner and Soto batting at more natural spots like third and cleanup.

Add in the multiple base-running gaffes this season by Robles. In April, Martinez said he would speak to Robles about being smarter running the bases after an April 9 blunder against the Dodgers. Maybe it’s time for the Nationals skipper to send a louder message to the youngster?