The Nationals introduced that catcher Israel Pineda has been designated for project. The transfer opens up a 40-man roster spot for Joey Gallo, whose one-year, $5MM contract with D.C. is now official.
Pineda was a member of the Nationals’ 2016 worldwide signing class, and he has spent his complete profession within the group. Nonetheless solely 23 years previous, Pineda has hit .231/.291/.374 over 1529 plate appearances within the minor leagues, although he hit fairly nicely at Double-A in 2022 and earned his first MLB call-up that September when Keibert Ruiz went on the injured checklist.
After showing in his first 4 large league video games, Pineda didn’t make it again to the Present in 2023 due largely to accidents. A fractured ring finger and an indirect pressure restricted Pineda to only 41 complete video games, and he had solely a .496 OPS over 153 PA cut up over three minor league ranges. This tough 12 months made Pineda expendable on Washington’s 40-man, although there could be an opportunity he merely clears waivers and stays within the minors as a depth choice.
Ruiz and Riley Adams have the catching state of affairs coated on the MLB degree for the Nats, leaving Drew Millas (with 11 video games) as the one different backstop within the group with any Main League expertise. If Pineda isn’t introduced again, the Nationals determine to be available in the market for some veteran depth to deliver into Spring Coaching on a minors deal.
