WASHINGTON – This should have been the first full season of professional baseball for right-handed pitcher Jackson Rutledge, the number one pick of the Washington Nationals in 2019 out of San Jacinto junior college in Texas.
But with the minors called off due to the pandemic, the 21-year old native of Missouri was able to take part in the next best thing – or things.
He was part of the 60-player pool at the alternate site in Virginia this summer then took part in Instructional League in Florida in October.
“I think he had a huge development year,” assistant general manager, player development Mark Scialabba said.