Abimelec Ortiz Makes MLB Debut with Washington Nationals

· Yahoo Sports

The final game of the first half of the 2026 regular season featured an MLB debut for the Washington Nationals.

Hours ahead of opening pitch, the Nationals announced that 1B/DH Abimelec Ortiz was called up for his first game in the majors. To make room on the 40 man roster, left handed pitcher Matt Krook was designated for assignment.

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Ortiz, 24, arrived in Washington after being part of the return package from the Texas Rangers in exchange for starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore. While he was among the spring training candidates at first base, Ortiz made his debut as a designated hitter after he showcased himself among the best in the minors with Triple A Rochester.

The day ended with a 1-for-2 performance after grounding into a double play in his first appearance in the first inning, then a notching his first career hit after opening the fourth inning with a double into center off a seven-pitch at bat. He then advanced to third after CJ Abrams singled into right, but couldn't manage any further after Dylan Crews struck out then Daylen Lile grounded into a double play inning to end the inning.

Manager Blake Butera turned to Curtis Mead as the pinch hitter for Ortiz in the sixth inning, a move that paid dividends after Mead belted a 409 foot solo home run to tie the game at two.

Ortiz arrived with the Nationals near the top of the charts in Rochester after being ranked tied for second in doubles (17) and in sole possession of second in RBIs (59), fourth in home runs (16) and extra base hits (33) while hitting .239 in 71 games this season, including home runs in four consecutive games over May 22-27.

While the Nationals announced after the game that Ortiz was sent back down Rochester, Krook also sees his time with the organization come to an end.

Krook, 31, was claimed off waivers from the Athletics just last week after the Nationals announced a flurry of pitching moves amid several injuries to the bullpen. 

The lefty went on to make a trio of appearances with the Nationals where he allowed no earned runs in his first then last appearances with the team over 2.1 combined innings, but that would also overlook the bigger blunder in his short stint.

With the Nationals ahead 3-2 to begin the top of the ninth, Krook gave up the go-ahead two run home run to Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the eventual 5-3 loss to open the series at home against the New York Yankees. It marked a deflating ending in what proved to be the first of two late-inning collapses by the bullpen, though Krook also arrived in Washington hoping for a fresh start after ending his short second season with the Athletics with a 17.18 ERA and 2.73 WHIP.

Meanwhile, the Nationals now head into the All Star break with three set to suit up in the Mid Summer Classic after Foster Griffin got the late nod.

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