Nationals Option Catcher Ford to Minors

0:00You're listening to Washington Nationals News today. Subscribe now for fast, daily updates on your team. The Washington Nationals surprised many fans this week by optioning catcher Harry Ford to triple a Rochester just before opening day. They had traded for the former Seattle Mariners top prospect last off season, expecting him to push for the starting job right away. Instead, Cabert Ruiz and Drew Millis will handle the primary catching duties to start the 2022 season. Earlier this week, the move was first reported by the Baltimore banners Andrew Golden. Ford, a highly-touted young catcher, won't break camp with the major league roster as initially thought. Fans reacted with plenty of confusion online, wondering why a prize acquisition was being sent down so quickly. The decision shifts the depth chart, giving Ruiz the clear lead and Millis as his backup. The main reason boils down to playing time and development. Sticking Ford on the big lead bench would limit his at-bats, so the Nationals want him

1:00getting everyday reps in the minors to build his skills. Faster. Meanwhile, Ford's brief time away with Team Gray Britain and the World Baseball Classic meant less prep time with Washington's pitchers. He's expected to rejoin the majors soon, but for now, he'll start with the Rochester Redwings. The daily news now is presented by our sponsor. Your bedtime ritual just got better. Milton Sound, Milton Comfort, S-O-L-I, Soli-L-I, Made in AI.