Michael

Hinckley

It’s been a struggle for Hinckley, who missed the first month of the season with a strained shoulder. The Nats mentioned him as a rotation candidate before he got hurt, though it was always assumed that he’d spend at least a couple of months in Double-A. He hasn’t even returned to that level because of his difficulties. He has a 4.94 ERA in 94 2/3 IP.

Hinckley has improved quite a bit over the last month and is now 4-3 with a 3.98 ERA, 70 H and 36/23 K/BB in 72 1/3 innings. He’s not the prospect he was two years ago, but he might still have a chance.

It’s hard to be optimistic about Hinckley’s chances when he has a 5.42 ERA and is striking out barely a hitter every other inning in the Carolina League. If he hadn’t hurt his shoulder, he might already be a solid third or fourth starter for the Nationals. As is, he looks like a long shot.

All easy choices. Karp’s stock has fallen, but the Expos have to give him at least one more year to turn things around. Hinckley is a candidate to join the team’s rotation in the second half of next season.

Bowden doesn’t plan to pursue Esteban Loaiza or a lesser starter after failing to land Odalis Perez. Hinckley is still likely to begin the season in the minors, but Washington’s top prospect should make his major league debut after the All-Star break.

Hinckley was supposed to be back in Double-A by now, but he had been struggling since returning from a shoulder strain four weeks ago. He’s 1-3 with a 5.06 ERA, 38 H and 18/14 K/BB in 26 2/3 IP in the Carolina League.

Hinckley was already reassigned to minor league camp. It looks like he’ll miss at least the first week or two of Double-A Harrisburg’s season.

Not that he ever had much of a shot, but Hinckley has probably eliminated himself from the competition for a rotation spot. The Nats’ best prospect could use at least a half season in Triple-A.

Hinckley seemed a bit nervous while facing major leaguers for the first time. His command was off and he had no feel for his curveball. During the two-run fourth, he botched a potential double-play ball with a poor throw to second base. He’ll probably be better next time, but he’s not going to head north with the Nats at the conclusion of spring training.

Hinckley struggled with his command in major league camp, and since the Nationals have seven potential starters still ahead of him, it’s less likely that he’ll arrive before the All-Star break. Smith, who is trying to work his way back from shoulder surgery, might get a look if he pitches well in Triple-A for a month or two.