Brandon

Watson

Watson hit .358/.405/.425 with 25 steals in 318 AB for New Orleans. With Jose Guillen sidelined, Ryan Church slumping and Frank Robinson desperate, expect Watson to get some playing time in right field this week. NL-only leaguers in need of steals may want to take a chance on him.

He also doubled and scored on a second run, so the rookie had quite the day. Watson hit for almost no power in Triple-A this year, so don’t expect that trend to continue. However, he still could help those in need of steals or batting average in the short-term, as he hit .358 with 25 steals in 318 at-bats for Triple-A New Orleans.

John Halama will be recalled tomorrow to give the Nationals an extra arm for the doubleheader. Watson, who went 3-for-18 while starting the first four games after he was called up, had received just one at-bat the last four days. Ryan Church reclaims his job as the club’s fourth outfielder.

Watson was used as a pinch-runner in his only appearance for the Reds.

Watson was hitting just .224/.296/.265 in 49 at-bats for Louisville since being claimed off waivers on July 14. The Reds are struggling to find at-bats for Chris Denorfia, so Watson shouldn’t play at all.

With Marlon Byrd off to a fast start since returning from the minors, Watson shouldn’t get too much of an opportunity to play. NL-only leaguers should stay away.

Watson hit .293/.332/.348 for Triple-A Edmonton last season. He’s a very good defensive center fielder, so he might have a future as a fifth outfielder. He’s not going to hit enough to play regularly, though.

Watson hit .338/.369/.386 with 12 steals in 228 at-bats for Columbus. The Nationals weren’t planning on promoting him until Robert Fick’s need to leave the team opened up a spot. Maybe if he really impresses over the next few days, he could claim Nook Logan’s job as a part-time center fielder. However, odds are that he’ll return to the minors next week.

Munoz’s strong showing in Triple-A wasn’t enough to get him claimed, at least not after he walked seven in 5 1/3 innings in the majors last month. Bacsik was 5-8 with a 5.11 ERA in 20 starts and nine relief appearances this season. Both he and Simontacchi could compete for rotation spots next spring if they’re willing to take minor league contracts.

It’s pretty impressive as far as hitting streak goes, though it still hardly means much in the grand scheme of things. While Watson could be an option in center for the Nationals later this year, he’s no more than a long-term fifth outfielder.