Nationals select pitcher Rutledge with 17th pick in 2019 MLB Draft
This evening, the Washington Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Jackson Rutledge with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.
Rutledge, 20, is a 6’8″, 250 pound LB pitcher that will come out of San Jacinto Junior College and will likely join the major league roster in the next few years.
Rutledge carries a fastball, slider, curveball, and occasionally used a changeup, which in my opinion, is an ideal pitch selection. Adding on, Rutledge’s fastball and slider can clock in the upper 90’s, according to CBS Sports.
When he was selected by Washington, Rutledge said “I want to be fellow teammates with Max Scherzer as soon as I can.” Former Red Sox pitcher, Pedro Martinez, stated that “this kid is big all over the place,” when referring to Rutledge.
The big righty has flourished this season, going 9-2 with a 0.87 ERA on the bump, with 134.4 strikeouts in 82.2 innings pitched (14.59 K/9).
Rutledge has commited to Kentucky, though it appears increasingly unlikely that he will make it to Lexington. Moreover, it is yet to be determined if Rutledge will make appearances out of the bullpen or to be a consistent starter for Washington, according to MLB Network.
This selection has made Washington use seven of their last nine picks on pitchers, per Sam Fortier. To add on, the Nationals have used their last three first round selections on pitchers, looking to bolster their rotation and bullpen.
Welcome to Washington, Jackson Rutledge!
Note: Featured image is courtsey of the “3rd Man In.”
