NEW YORK – Dylan Crews and Harry Ford are regarded as two pieces of the Nationals’ long-term future. To begin this season, though, they were optioned to Triple-A Rochester to continue developing. For Crews, 24, it is a reset after struggling to find consistency in his first full season in the Major Leagues. For Ford, 23, it is a chance to get more reps after coming from a crowded Mariners catching room. Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni provided updates on the pair ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Mets at Citi Field. OF Dylan Crews • 2026 stats: 25 games, .234/.342/.351, .693 OPS • Major League experience: 116 games, .211/.282/.352, .634 OPS When Crews was optioned to Rochester: “We want to give him some time to work through those small adjustments in Triple-A,” manager Blake Butera said. “Where it’s not 40,000 people yelling down his neck every night and he can actually work on some of those things.” |
After the first four weeks of Red Wings’ season: “Dylan is progressing well,” said Toboni. “He's walking at a higher clip, and I think the improvements in pitch selection have been largely a good thing. I think the next step for Dylan is that when he is letting it fly in the zone, that he's squaring pitches up and driving them for damage. So he's been great in terms of just how disciplined he's stayed to the process. “Then also from a defense and baserunning standpoint, he's been awesome, which I don't think will surprise anyone. So really excited about the strides he's made, the strides he's going to continue to make going forward.” C Harry Ford (Nationals' No. 3 prospect, MLB No. 61) • 2026 stats: 19 games, .189/.299/.230, .529 OPS • Major League experience: 8 games, .167/.250/.167, .417 OPS When Ford was optioned to Rochester: “Understanding how the pitchers feel throwing to him, that’s a big part of the catching game, obviously,” said Butera. “Making sure that our pitchers in Triple-A are having success with Harry catching. Then also understanding that the blocking’s good, the receiving numbers are good, and then you see the offense, hopefully he continues to do what he’s done in his career so far. Those are the big-ticket items.” |
After the first four weeks of Red Wings’ season: “I think if you ask Harry, he's like, ‘Gosh, I wish I was hitting better than I have been,’” said Toboni. “But I think a lot of the underlying stuff is pretty darn good. He’s got a tremendous eye, he controls the zone great. “I think the big thing for Harry here in the coming weeks is, when you get up there and you get your pitch, let it loose with intent and try and hit a ball hard. Not that he's not right now -- but I think Harry at times can get caught trying to be so perfect and put the ball in play that, hey, let it loose and do some damage and trust your eye that you'll be swinging at good pitches and having success.” |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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SIGH OF RELIEF FOR BEETER |
MRI results on Clayton Beeter's right arm came back clean on Tuesday after the reliever was examined for forearm soreness. He is able to begin his throwing progression while working through some inflammation. Beeter, who is 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA and two saves in 10 appearances, was placed on the 15-day IL on April 26 (retroactive to April 23). “[I was] really happy,” said Butera. “I know he was, too. He came in the office with a big smile on his face. … He can work through some of the soreness he's feeling, maybe a little bit of the discomfort, knowing that there's nothing structurally wrong there.” |
LARA’S SHUTOUT EFFORTS EARN HONORS |
Red Wings right-hander Andry Lara was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for his performance April 21-26. On Friday at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Lara struck out nine batters across seven scoreless innings -- both matching career highs. Over his last three starts, Lara has recorded a 2.12 ERA with 20 strikeouts, two walks, and an opponents’ batting average of .194. |
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NATS RECOGNIZED FOR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS |
The Nationals were named the recipients of the H2O Home Run Award as part of Major League Baseball’s annual Sustainability Awards. The Nats led all teams with the highest reduction in water usage from 2024-25. The club was given the award as part of celebrating Earth Day with WM, the league’s Official Sustainability Partner. |
Friday, May 1: Friday Night Fireworks; Grateful Dead Day*; Georgetown University Night* Saturday, May 2: Star Wars Day -- Grogu bobblehead giveaway (first 20,000 fans), lightsaber training in collaboration with LudoSport, character appearances, themed photo booths, pregame DJs Tuesday, May 5: Strike Out Senior Poverty with AARP Foundation; $5 Tuesdays; Pups in the Park and postgame puppy parade* Thursday, May 7: Weather Day* * Special ticket required |
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