The Washington Nationals have started adjusting their roster as they approach the final weeks of the season, following the release of Nathaniel Lowe. In response to this change, the team is set to promote Andres Chaparro to strengthen their lineup and address key position needs.
Washington Nationals Respond After Nathaniel Lowe Designation
With the Nationals designating Nathaniel Lowe for assignment and later releasing him, the team signaled a significant shift in their roster management strategy. This occurred as rosters are poised to expand from 26 to 28 players on September 1. After Lowe’s departure, Jose Tena was sent back to Triple-A Rochester, leaving Washington with five active outfielders. James Wood has taken on more duties as the designated hitter, while Josh Bell and Paul DeJong have been sharing first base responsibilities.
Despite earlier uncertainty around positioning, the Nationals’ latest roster decision aims to bring more stability to the first base slot, an area that has been rotating frequently throughout the season.
Andres Chaparro’s Promotion Brings New Dynamics to the Lineup
According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, Andres Chaparro will be recalled by the Nationals as the replacement corresponding to Jose Tena’s demotion to the minors. This will mark Chaparro’s second time with the major league team in 2024. While his previous tenure has been underwhelming, with a .205/.271/.394 batting line over 37 games that includes four home runs and 15 RBIs, Washington is willing to give him another opportunity to prove himself at the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB level.
Hope for a debut from the highly regarded 20th-ranked prospect Yohandy Morales has grown, but it appears he will likely remain in the minors until rosters expand next month. Meanwhile, Chaparro’s presence offers the Nationals another right-handed bat and allows Paul DeJong to return to his more natural roles across the infield, covering positions such as third base and shortstop when needed.
Chaparro’s Career So Far and Opportunity Ahead
Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade that sent pitcher Dylan Floro to Arizona just before last season’s deadline, Andres Chaparro brings considerable minor league success as a power hitter. Over his time in the farm system, he has maintained a .264/.353/.468 slash line, with a total of 115 home runs and 442 RBIs. Notably, Chaparro has recorded double-digit home runs for five straight seasons and achieved 20 or more homers in three consecutive years from 2022 through 2024.
That production, however, has yet to be replicated in the majors. Despite his struggles at the plate so far in the big leagues, the sample size remains limited to 37 games, suggesting the Nationals see value in exploring his potential impact during the remainder of the season. This move could help shape the team’s future plans for their infield and offensive lineup.
What This Means Moving Forward for the Nationals
The Nationals are entering the season’s final phase with several questions to answer about their roster composition and player roles. Chaparro’s promotion represents a strategic gamble on a young player who has demonstrated consistent power potential but needs to translate that success to the major league level. Meanwhile, the departure of Nathaniel Lowe frees up opportunities for other players to step up and redefine roles within the team.
How Chaparro performs could influence whether Washington shifts towards developing prospects like Yohandy Morales when rosters expand or continues to rely on players with some MLB experience. This decision comes at a crucial moment as the Nationals try to build momentum and clarify their long-term direction amid ongoing roster upheaval.
“According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, Andres Chaparro is going to be recalled by the Nationals as the corresponding move following Tena getting sent back to the minors.”
—Mark Zuckerman, MASN Reporter