Nationals pleased with Espinosa's defense, offense to begin season
Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa ditched batting exclusively from the right side of the plate after experimenting with it during spring training. While he is hitless in five at-bats batting right-handed, he is batting .313 (5 for 16) with one double, two home runs and three RBI batting left-handed.
"Well I just think he's smooth," Nationals manager Matt Williams said, per MASNsports.com. "I think he's recognizing pitches. I think he's got a good approach at the plate. His BPs have been good from both sides really. It's quiet, and it's compact, and that's what he can do when it's right. He's got power from both sides of the plate. It's special talent when it's right, and when he's easing into it, he's got plenty. I like where he's at."
The Nationals are also pleased with Espinosa's defense, as he has played at second and third base to begin the season.
"As a defender, he's about as good as you can get at the major-league level," first baseman Ryan Zimmerman said. "Second and short, obviously, but he's athletic enough to play third base. With the arm he has and the instincts he has, I don't think any of us were really surprised to see him excel over there as well."
