TODAY: The Nationals announced that Hill cleared waivers, and decided to accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester.
JULY 5: The Nationals announced Wednesday that they’ve designated outfielder Derek Hill for assignment. His spot on the roster will go to fellow outfielder Alex Call, who’s been recalled from Triple-A Rochester.
Hill, 27, appeared in 13 games with the Nats and tallied 50 plate appearances. He slashed just .170/.220/.191 in that time, however, striking out in 22% of his plate appearances against a 6% walk rate. That marked the fourth straight season with at least some big league work for the former Tigers first-rounder (No. 23, 2014). He carries a tepid .229/.279/.314 batting line in 304 MLB plate appearances.
So far in 2023, Hill’s work in Triple-A has been outstanding. He’s batted .324/.381/.533 in 204 plate appearances, boosting his career rates at the top minor league level to .283/.344/.470 in an even 600 trips to the plate.
Hill is a plus runner with good defensive tools but mixed defensive ratings in limited MLB action in the outfield. He’s a natural center fielder and has experience at all three slots in the outfield.
Hill is out of minor league options, meaning any team that wants to place a waiver claim or acquire him in a small trade would need to commit to carrying him on its own 40-man roster (or else immediately attempt to pass him through waivers themselves). The Nats will have a week to pass him through waivers, trade him or release him.
Hey, I just met you,
and this is crazy
But here’s my number,
so Alex Call me, maybe
This move is disappointing, because it means that Hill did not work out. However, I like Alex Call and will root hard for him to have better numbers this time up with the big club.
Even though he’s barely hitting above the Mendoza line, he’s been worth almost a full WAR. He walks a lot, makes contact alot, has some pop, can run, and is a decent fielder. He’s never gonna be a super star but if he can learn to hit even somewhat decently for average, and do it consistently, he could be a great bench piece.
Just hit a go ahead HR against the Reds!
They’re about the same talent wise but I think Call’s energy and the passion he plays with is great for a young, rebuilding team.
Alex got the Call
He made a nice running grab at the fence yesterday vs the Reds. DFA’d right after the game. Baseball is a unforgiving master.
……..when you’re not hitting. I’ve seen a few Nats games in the past few weeks, and it’s clear to me Hill’s defensive skills are remarkable. He doesn’t hit. And he probably never will (see Billy Hamilton). There’s no future for a position hitter that gives you nothing. Facts of life
If the Nats can’t afford those ABs, who can?
Both trash
Before you find greatness, one must first sift through trash and filth.
FORMER TIGER, wow, I’ve seen that moniker a lot lately. Also a leading indicator there will that reference for years to come is losing to the alleged worst team in baseball by being shut out while allowing only two base hits in 10 innings at home. If Oakland was the worst team fans including this one will just have to ponder how far away are they from being the actual worst team instead of being closer to a playoff one.
A.J had already informed the media they still are far from a playoff team, and now we’ve seen why. Ir they get swept by Oakland this series, in effect doing to them what they did to the Mets, no telling how low they will go in the standings. Good grief, creating potential former Tigers daily. GO GET EM TIGERS !
The Nats’ desperate search for a centerfielder who can hit and defend AND not be a head case ends with the recall of Call, who always had his head in the game and is an authentic hustler. Too bad about Derek. He LOOKED like a ballplayer: Compact, muscular, good speed, and played a very good centerfield. He also looked like he could handle the bat a bit (bunting, etc..), but he could not replicate his good AAA numbers from this year. The question will linger: Did the Nats give him a long enough trial? His 50 plate appearances equalled what Call got in the minors (hitting .275), so I guess the numbers bear out the move, but if Call reverts to his .209 BA… Oh well….
Derek always needed ABs to really start hitting. Too bad the Nats couldn’t give him more. He’s a great defender. Probably capable of hitting .265 with 15-20 HRs – again, if he gets his ABs.
Detroit messed the guy up. They should’ve played him everyday.
“Call for Hill as Nats ring changes”
Had hopes for Derek, a good guy like his father who has had a long career in baseball.
Had injury woes early and things haven’t worked out. Perhaps he still gets more of a shot than the sporadic ones he’s had.