Jake

Noll

Noll has appeared in 15 games for the Nationals since the 2019 season. The 28-year-old first baseman spent all of last year at Triple-A Rochester, hitting .256/.307/.415 with 10 homers and six steals in 423 plate appearances over 103 games.

Noll passed through waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend. The 27-year-old will remain with the organization as depth.

Noll has a minor-league option left, so the Nationals could end up electing to send him to Triple-A Rochester.

He’ll join the active roster while Brock Holt is away on paternity leave. Noll went 2-for-12 with a double and two RBI over eight games during his first stint in the majors last season.

Noll opened the scoring in the ballgame with his two-run single off of Dylan Lee in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old is hitting .313 (5-for-16) with two RBI this spring. He’s ticketed for Triple-A Fresno to begin the regular season.

The 25-year-old hit just .167/.231/.250 with a 4/1 K/BB ratio in 13 plate appearances with the Nationals. He’ll continue to function as depth at Triple-A until he’s needed once more.

Noll is starting at first base Sunday with both Ryan Zimmerman (foot) and Matt Adams (shoulder) sidelined. The 25-year-old has limited upside.

Adams suffered the injury Saturday when he dove for a ground ball. It’s not clear how long he will be sidelined, but it could be a lengthy absence. Howie Kendrick and Jake Noll figure to handle first base until Anthony Rendon (elbow) and/or Ryan Zimmerman (foot) return.

The Nats have yet to announce his demotion, though Noll is starting at second base and batting sixth for Fresno Thursday against Reno. With top infield prospect Carter Kieboom reportedly on his way to the majors, it looks like Noll is the odd man out in Washington. The Florida Gulf Coast alum is 1-for-6 with three strikeouts in the big leagues this year.

Rendon hasn’t played since being hit on the left elbow by a pitch last Saturday. He is available to pinch-hit Wednesday, so a return on Friday after Thursday’s off day seems likely. Jake Noll is at third base Wednesday, and the club is also giving Matt Adams a start at first over Ryan Zimmerman.