Source: Crews to Harrisburg, Morales and Pinckney to Wilmington

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – As they showcase themselves before a national audience for the first time this season, the Nationals are moving their top picks from this summer’s draft a step closer to the big league stage, including a big jump for their No. 1 prospect.

The Nats are promoting outfielder Dylan Crews to Double-A Harrisburg, a source familiar with the decision confirmed, after the No. 2 overall pick dominated at Single-A Fredericksburg in his professional debut.

Crews hit a robust .351 with five homers, 24 RBIs and a 1.073 OPS in only 13 games with Fredericksburg, proving more than capable of competing at that level only months after he led LSU to the College World Series title.

The fact the Nationals are bumping Crews up to Double-A, skipping the High-A level altogether, underscores how advanced they believe he is, not to mention how soon they believe the 21-year-old could be big league ready.

Crews will join a Harrisburg lineup already loaded with top prospects, including outfielders James Wood and Robert Hassell III and third baseman Brady House.

The Nats are also promoting two other recent draft picks, first baseman Yohandy Morales and outfielder Andrew Pinckney, though both will go to High-A Wilmington.

Morales, the top pick of the second round out of Miami, hit .375 with nine doubles, two triples, 14 RBIs and a .995 OPS in 17 games at Fredericksburg.

Pinckney, the top pick of the fourth round out of Alabama, hit .338 with three homers, 15 RBIs and a .947 OPS in 16 games at Fredericksburg.

With all minor league teams off Mondays, all three players are set to make their debuts Tuesday.

The promotions were first reported by Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan.