Nats announce several minor league promotions as prospects gain momentum

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

June 27, 2016, 12:20pm

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The Nationals announced that right-hander Lucas Giolito will be recalled to start Tuesday.

The minor league system had some other major movement on Monday.

The Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs announced the addition of second baseman Chris Bostick, outfielder Zach Collier and right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. The team will also have Trea Turner play center field.

Double-A Harrisburg will receive outfielder Andrew Stevenson, third baseman Drew Ward, and right-handers Ryan Brinley and Boone Whiting.

High Single-A Potomac announced the addition of right-hander Trey Lambert, shortstop Max Schrock and outfielder Victor Robles.

Of course, right-hander Jonathan Papelbon is with Potomac for a rehab assignment.

The biggest news besides Giolito is the outfield movement. Robles has been sensational and played above his age group at Hagerstown. LSU product Stevenson has done very well getting on-base for the P-Nats.

Plus, the addition of Turner as the center fielder is similar to the move the Nationals made a few years back to allow Tyler Moore an opportunity for a faster ascent. The infielder was given games in the outfield so that he could play multiple positions in the big leagues.

With the issues the Nationals have had with the leadoff man getting on base, Turner's ability in the outfield would help from that spot because Danny Espinosa will stay as the starting shortstop.

Turner has the athletic ability and baseball talent, similar to Ian Desmond, where he can play multiple positions in the outfield and the infield to help the Nationals in their quest for the division crown.