Nats recall Alu, put Robles on IL

The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Jake Alu from Triple-A Rochester, and placed outfielder Victor Robles on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to May 7) with back spasms on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Alu, 26, joins the Nationals after going 6-for-21 (.286) with two doubles, one homer, three RBI, two walks and two runs scored over his last six games with Triple-A Rochester. He hit his second home run of the year on Sunday. Overall, Alu hit .247 with four doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks and three stolen bases in 21 games for the Red Wings. He appeared at third base (16 G), left field (2 G), designated hitter (2 G) and second base (1 G).

Alu was the 2022 “Nationals Way” Award winner after he led Washington’s Minor League system in average (.298), slugging percentage (.507), OPS (.872), doubles (40), extra-base hits (62) and total bases (252). He finished the season on a 20-game on-base streak, hitting in each of the final 14 games and tallying hits in 19 of 20 games during the streak. At third base, Alu led all of Minor League Baseball (infielders and outfielders) with 17 defensive runs saved, according to Baseball Info Solutions.

A former 24th-round pick from Boston College, Alu was added to Washington’s 40-man roster following the 2022 season. If he appears in a game with Washington, he will be the lowest drafted position player to make his Major League debut with the Washington Nationals in team history (2005-pres.).

Robles, 25, is hitting .292 with four doubles, a triple, eight RBI and eight stolen bases in 31 games this season.