Washington Nationals 19 Year Old Prospect Juan Soto Hits Home Run in 1st Big League Start

The Washington Nationals were the odds on favorite to win the National League East but through almost the first two months of the season, the Nats were having their ups and downs. The Mets, Phillies and Braves have all played above expectations, and the division has been much more competitive than it appeared it would be in the preseason.

Following an injury to Howie Kendrick, who had been hitting .303, the Nationals decided to take a chance on getting more pop in the lineup, calling up 19 year old prospect Juan Soto from the minors. Soto has played in 122 minor league games, and has hit .362 with 23 homers and 105 RBIs. Most of that has been in the lower minors; he’s played in eight games at AA Harrisburg of the Eastern League where he hit .323 with two homers, two doubles, and 10 RBIs.

His first major league plate appearance was on May 20th against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and ended in a strikeout. On the 21st, he got a start in the outfield. This time things went a little better. In his first at bat in this game against the San Diego Padres, Soto smashed a three run home run off Robbie Erlin.

Soto is the first teenager to homer in the big leagues since teammate Bryce Harper back in 2012. Speaking of Harper, he hit his National League leading 14th homer of the season in this game as the Nationals beat the Padres 10-2.

Soto finished the day two for four. The Nationals improved to 25-21 on the year, three games behind the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies are a half game behind the Braves, and the Mets are two and a half back.