The rosters for the Arizona Fall League were released about a month ago but the Nationals are expected to finalize their entrants on the Scottsdale Scorpions in the coming days. The AFL begins play on Oct. 4
The Nationals already announced that they’d be sending top prospect Bryce Harper back for his second season in the AFL. They’ll also be sending Double-A catcher Derek Norris, left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis and right-handers Rafael Martin and Pat Lehman.
2011 third-round draft pick Matt Purke will also definitely be in attendance, a source said, as will first-round pick Anthony Rendon if the Nationals deem him 100 percent ready. Rendon, a third baseman, who dealt with a shoulder injury this season at Rice was shut down for the summer as he and the Nationals worked toward hammering out a deal. He’s been on a throwing program since signing in August as he works to rebuild all of his strength in his throwing shoulder.
If Rendon is at the point where the Nationals medical staff feels his arm is strong enough, he will join the roster in Arizona. If they’d like him to continue the throwing program and continue building strength, the Nationals expect to send Single-A shortstop Zachary Walters in his place.
Walters, who was acquired by the Nationals this July at the trade deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-hander Jason Marquis, hit .300 this season in the minor leagues with a .367 on-base percentage and a .457 slugging percentage.
The Nationals prospects will be joining those from the Angels, Giants, Phillies and Red Sox. Angels’ top prospect Mike Trout, who made his major league debut this season, is expected to be roaming the outfield alongside Harper.
