Baker to get full-circle MLB moment as September callup (source)
WASHINGTON -- When Major League rosters expand on Sunday, there is slated to be a familiar face to the organization on the team.
Infielder/outfielder Darren Baker will be one of the Nationals’ September callups, a source confirmed. The team has not confirmed or announced the move.
Baker, 25, was selected by the Nats in the 10th round of the 2021 Draft out of University of California. He is the son of former Nationals manager Dusty Baker.
The versatile Baker is having a strong season with Triple-A Rochester. He is slashing .285/.348/.340 with 20 doubles, two triples, 49 RBIs, 70 runs scored and 38 stolen bases in 112 games.
“I feel like I’m controlling the strike zone,” Baker said in June. “Cutting down on chase was big for me, walking more. I feel like I’m running more on the bases, that was another thing we spoke about, and still learning different positions.”
Baker extended his on-base streak to 18 games on Friday. During that stretch, he is batting .329 with 16 runs and seven stolen bases.
A multi-faceted defender, Baker has played 61 games at second base and 45 games in left field this season. He gained valuable experience with the Nationals this year in Major League Spring Training.
“I have been exposed to different MLB locker rooms before, but that was the first time with me being a player,” Baker said. “I learned a lot from those guys, how they prepare every day. They’re professionals through and through, so that helped me out.”
Baker will join eight prospects who also debuted with the Nationals this season: infielder Trey Lipscomb (March 30), infielder Nasim Nuñez (March 30), left-hander Mitchell Parker (April 15), left-hander DJ Herz (June 4), outfielder James Wood (July 1), infielder Andrés Chaparro (Aug. 13), right-hander Orlando Ribalta (Aug. 13) and outfielder Dylan Crews (Aug. 26).