What is the long-term plan for the Nationals at first base?

New York Mets v Washington Nationals | Greg Fiume/GettyImagesNot many people expected the Nationals to release Nathaniel Lowe when they activated Dylan Crews from the injured list. It seemed much more likely that either Jacob Young, Daylen Lile or Robert Hassell III would be optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

While releasing Lowe was more than justifiable, and the wiser move in hindsight, it also makes Washington's shortcomings at first base more apparent. Although Josh Bell has been the better hitter this year, he struggles defensively, and the depth behind him is thin.

Lowe Had to Go

To make the case for releasing Lowe as obvious as possible, he ranks last (26th) among qualified first basemen…