Sunday, August 09

WASHINGTON -- Saturday’s opposing pitcher was familiar with more than just the Nationals’ Major League roster. Reds ace Chase Burns was college teammates with Nats No. 4 prospect shortstop Seaver King at Wake Forest. 

“He was always a very vocal person, wasn’t afraid to be himself, a great personality, a lot of confidence,” Burns said. “You need that in a leader.” 

In 2024, Wake Forest teammates Burns, King and Nick Kurtz made Draft history. The Reds picked Burns No. 2, the A’s selected Kurtz No. 4 and the Nationals chose King No. 10. They became the second trio to be drafted in the top 10 from the same school, the first instance since Philip Humber, Jeff Niemann and Wade Townsend from Rice University in 2004. 

“There were just so many moments in college where he fired up the team with a big hit or a big home run,” Burns told MLB.com last month at the All-Star Game.

On the same day his friend Burns started against the Nationals, King hit his sixth home run of the season, a 403-foot shot off Yankees rehabbing lefty Carlos Rodón. He is slashing .274/.354/.446 in 40 games with the Red Wings.

“He's just an all-around athlete,” said Burns. “In the field, he could play a lot of different positions. As a hitter, he's very explosive and [has] speed and power. It’s a combination of a lot of things.”

In his first pro season last year, King advanced from High-A Wilmington to Double-A Harrisburg. He was named to the Arizona Fall League All-Star Game, and he earned an invitation to 2026 Major League Spring Training. King began this season in Double-A. After 35 games, he was promoted to Triple-A Rochester. 

During Major League camp, King shared how much he values leadership and the importance of embracing that role as he develops in his career. Burns was not surprised to hear of these standards. 

“I think he's just super grateful,” said Burns. “I know his parents, his parents raised him really well. I think that tells a lot about who he is as a person. He's super respectful.” 

King is projected by MLB Pipeline to reach the Majors next season. Burns is looking forward to that matchup. 

“I texted him saying congratulations [when he got] moved up to Triple-A,” Burns said. “Hopefully, I can face him at the big league level. I’m excited.” 

The Nationals’ 2026 first-round Draft pick Chris Hacopian is skipping Single-A ball and going straight from the FCL to High-A Wilmington. Here are some other promotions within the Nationals system in the past week. 

Promoted to Triple-A Rochester from Double-A Harrisburg: OF Sam Petersen (team's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), RHP Connor Van Scoyoc, OF Johnathon Thomas 

Promoted to Double-A Harrisburg from High-A Wilmington: OF Elijah Green

Promoted to High-A Wilmington from Single-A Fredericksburg: SS Luke Dickerson (No. 11), C Brady Cerkownyk

Promoted to Single-A Fredericksburg from FCL: RHP Jacob Weaver; C Cashel Dugger, INF Avery Ortiz 

There were notable players released, as well, including former big league roster players, Major League Spring Training invites and top-30 ranked prospects: RHP Marquis Grissom Jr. and LHPs Konnor Pilkington and Zach Penrod. 

The Nationals also claimed left-handed reliever Wyatt Mills off waivers from the Dodgers and optioned him to the Red Wings. Mills, 31, has pitched in 44 Major League games with the Mariners, Royals and Dodgers since 2021. This season, he recorded a 5.68 ERA in 6 1/3 frames with the Dodgers, and he was 4-4 with a 2.41 ERA in 37 1/3 innings with their Triple-A affiliate.

Will Dion is the first Nationals player to wear No. 76 since 2021. Which player wore it last?

A. Humberto Arteaga

B. Sam Clay

C. Jakson Reetz

D. Jhon Romero

Congratulations to the Nike RBI Softball team out of the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. This group won the Mid-Atlantic region and advanced to the RBI World Series, taking place next week in Vero Beach, Fla. On Friday, the Nationals recognized the softball team with a special pregame ceremony and send-off, including Maryland native James Wood. 

Today: Scout Day*; Signature Sunday; Kids Run the Bases (postgame)

Tuesday: George Washington University Night*; $5 Tuesdays

Wednesday: Freedom250 Grand Prix First Pitch and Show Car; Branch Appreciation Day -- U.S. Coast Guard Day

* Special ticket required

C. Reetz wore No. 76 while appearing in two games for the 2021 Nationals. 

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