TODAY: Kieboom told Jessica Camerato and other reporters that in the “best-case scenario,” he will miss four-to-six weeks of action. A more specific timeline will be known when the additional tests are done.
MARCH 19: Nationals third baseman Carter Kieboom underwent an MRI on his sore throwing elbow today that revealed a flexor mass strain in his right forearm, manager Davey Martinez told MLB.com’s Jessica Camerato and other reporters. It isn’t clear how much time Kieboom will miss, as the 24-year-old is continuing to undergo more tests.
Kieboom is entering his fourth MLB season, though the former 28th overall pick has yet to make an impact at the big league level. Kieboom has hit only .197/.304/.285 in 414 plate appearances, making for an inauspicious start for a player who was considered one of the sport’s top 15 prospects heading into the 2020 season.
Of course, the unusual nature of both the 2020 and 2021 seasons surely haven’t helped Kieboom’s development, not to mention the simple fact that many players (even top prospects) take a while to adjust to the majors. It is far too early for the Nats to give up on such a highly-touted youngster, even if Kieboom’s lack of power has now seemed to carry into his minor league numbers. Kieboom hit only .237/.376/.385 over 181 PA at Triple-A last season, after posting much higher slugging percentages in his first four minor league seasons.
While Kieboom had some big shoes to fill as Anthony Rendon’s heir apparent at third base, Kieboom’s lack of production has limited his playing time, and now this injury will cost him at least some time at the start of the 2022 season. Even if Kieboom is able to avoid a trip to the injured list, he’ll need some more time in the minors or in extended Spring Training to make up for the lost prep time, thus opening up a hole at the hot corner in Washington’s Opening Day lineup.
Barring a future transaction from the Nationals, Maikel Franco is probably the likeliest candidate to fill that spot. Franco inked a minors deal with the District in December, as he was a minor league free agent and thus eligible to sign during the lockout. A former top prospect himself on his way up the Phillies’ minor league ladder, Franco had a nice 2015 rookie season but has since hit .244/.294/.419 over 2792 PA with the Phillies, Royals, and Orioles.
Utilityman Ehire Adrianza could also get some third base time in the event of a Kieboom IL stint, and other minor league signings like Richard Urena or even Dee Strange-Gordon could potentially get some looks. Top prospect Luis Garcia is being used only as a shortstop and second baseman during Spring Training, MASNsports.com’s Mark Zuckerman writes, and neither Garcia nor current starting shortstop Alcides Escobar seem like a third base candidate.
Pronounced: “KEY-boom!”
You mean “key -BUST”
It’s over.
“Key-doom”
Soto to the Jays for
Moreno Groshans Martinez Kloffenstein Gurriel Jr
Keep going. Probably need at least 2 or 3 more players
That’s rough for the Nationals. Kieboom was probably going to get the lions share of playing time at 3rd base. I know it’s not popular but the Nationals should really think of dealing Soto.
Nats aren’t going to deal the only reason to watch them unless its a mega deal where some team offers most their farm system
I’m sure the Nationals have thought about dealing Soto, but their price tag is probably so high, most teams are going to think twice. As RSox said, it’s gonna have to be for the team’s farm system. Like the Mariners would probably have to give up Marte and Rodriguez, plus at least one of their pitching prospects.
@ mlb1225;
Mike Rizzo builds his teams around a few star players.
Soto isn’t going anywhere. And when he hits FA the Nationals will have some excellent young players around him.
Glad to see the Nats fans deal with the “trade Soto” comments like the Angels fans deal with the “trade Trout” comments. My philosophy is the same for both: you don’t trade your best player away to get better. You build around him.
Of course the owner has to be willing to spend the money to do that. And he has to be ready to pay Soto what he will command when the time comes.
Thanks GM!
Historically, the Lerners have been willing to spend on players. Now, broadcasters, managers, different story.
He has yet to prove he can even hit
Just play through it. Kids nowadays are coddled far too much.
I’m guessing this opens the door for Maikel Franco to make the team as the 3B now
Franco somehow finds a way into a starting lineup again? Ian Malcolm might need to rework that quote with how resilient this dude is.
Franco was pretty good for the Royals during the extended spring training that was the 2020 season. He actually got off to a decent start with the Orioles last year. Unfortunately his offense cratered in may, picked up again in june, and by august he was released. Consistently inconsistent seems to be the name of his game
That what he does. He has a decent run for a bit then falls off. However, he always gets enough PAs to allow his regression.
It’s like the guy has 100 PAs of being an above average batter. The trouble is finding when those 100PAs will happen.
Sigh.
Where’s the Kieboom? There’s supposed to be an earth-shattering Kieboom!
Maikel Franco is only 29, as a Phillies phan would have bet he was closing in on 40……? Do not have a bad word to say about the guy…..just never reached his potential….all the best Maik!
agreed
Enough w Keebust ! Move it Rizzo and finally do something at 3rd – since u blew it w Rondon, nothing worth it @3rd yet!
Rendon didn’t want to stay in Washington, as I’m sure you know…
The Reds and Michael Moustakas winks at the Nationals
Reds would need to add more and/or take back another contract to make that work.
I’ve never understood how a player who strikes out as infrequently as Franco does hasn’t had success. He has a career .257 BABIP. How is that possible?
Relax you crazies. We are gonna trade Soto cus Kieboom is hurt Franco will provide solid defense regardless of his offensive limitations something Carter was struggling with.