Andrew Stevenson showing he can meet major need for Nats

Center fielder Andrew Stevenson ignited the Glendale offense in a 6-3 win over Salt River, to end the week in Arizona Fall League play on a high note.

The win improved the Desert Dogs' record to 6-11, holding their elimination number at 10. Peoria (10-5-2) has a five-game lead on the D-Dogs in the West Division.

Stevenson went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. He raised his average to .324. Stevenson spoke with MLB.com after his performance and said he takes practice time seriously when trying to advance his game.

"Every day, I'm just trying to get better," Stevenson told MLB. com. "That's the big thing. In (batting practice), some guys will just go take hacks, but I'm trying to work on things and bring that into the game.

"I try to have a purpose. I'm doing the same thing I've done all year, and some days the body might be a little tired, but I feel good."

Stevenson hit .246 in 65 games after his promotion to Double-A Harrisburg. He had 11 doubles, two triples, two homers, 12 stolen bases and 16 RBIs after his advance. With high Single-A Potomac, Stevenson hit .304 in 68 games with 12 doubles, eight triples, one homer, 27 stolen bases and 18 RBIs.

Stevenson is a left-handed-hitting center fielder with speed who makes good contact and can lead off.

Re-read that sentence again.

Yes, that commodity fills a need for the Nationals right now. Could the 22-year-old make the splash with the big club that Trea Turner made last season? He has the ability.

Third baseman Drew Ward is hitting .381 through 11 AFL games. He has 16 hits, two doubles and six RBIs.

Shortstop Osvaldo Abreu is hitting .235 in nine games.

Pitching-wise, Austin Voth is 0-2 with a 10.43 ERA in four starts.

Jake Johansen has a 1.04 ERA in five games.

Ryan Brinley and Nick Lee each have a 2.84 ERA in five appearances. Brinley is 1-1.