Nationals Minors: Harrisburg Senators Weekly Update - Sammy Solis starts for Senators

We’re potentially entering a legitimately exciting time for the 2014 Harrisburg Senators, who’ve been parked in last place in the Eastern League’s Western Division since Day 2 of the season.

But, if recent results and roster additions are any indication, the tide is turning for the Nationals’ Double-A affiliate.

Yes, stud lefty prospect Sammy Solis was finally added to the Senators’ active roster (making his Double-A debut Monday afternoon vs. Bowie), joining a rotation that includes impressive right-handed prospect A.J. Cole and veteran arms Brad Meyers, Zach Kroenke and Omar Poveda.

The bullpen, by the way, has been solid most of the season, and it's led right now by RHP James Simmons (1.98 ERA), LHP Matt Grace (1.05) and RHP Neil Holland (2.73).

And now some previously slumping hitters are finding a rhythm at the plate, including SS Jason Martinson (our most recent Player of the Week) and 1B-3B Matt Skole, who’ve both seen their batting averages climb significantly over the past week or three.

On Solis debuting with Senators, Skole, Sens loss on Sunday

Photo © Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Meanwhile, CF Michael Taylor continues an offensive, defensive and on-the-bases assault on the EL, as he leads the league with 13 home runs and leads the team with 36 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. He’s also one off the leader in outfield assists (6) and putouts (127). (Statistics through Sunday.)

Chances are the team also benefitted from a recent visit from rehabbing Nationals 1B Adam LaRoche (who supplied the gracious Senators with a Chipotle buffet this weekend).

He joined us for a Q&A and, his beard (along with Jayson Werth’s) also inspired a mailbag question.

The team is hunting its first three-game winning streak of the season Monday, with Solis on the mound. We’ll know the results by the time this is posted. But no matter what happens Monday, the team is definitely pointed in the right direction.