Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles sprains ankle in winter ball; Nats’ offseason wish list ideas + mores...

Victor Robles getting some at bats, reps, and reads in winter ball seemed like a good idea after the Nats’ 23-year-old outfielder struggled at the plate and in the outfield in the 2020 season, but apparently the Nationals’ center fielder injured his right ankle while playing in his home country for Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League. Not great. Here’s hoping it’s nothing serious. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Robles Section:

Robles sprains ankle in Dominican winter ball - (MLB.com)
"Nationals' center fielder Victor Robles sustained a sprained right ankle while playing for Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Republic."

What’s next for Victor Robles after a failed 2020? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Robles swung at a higher percentage of pitches outside the strike zone in 2020 than he did in 2019. His contact rate dipped."

Other Nats Stories:

Is a good BABIP important in getting to the World Series? - (MASN)
"I went back and did some research on the last 10 years of World Series participants and found some interesting trends related to batting average on balls in play (BABIP)."

What item should top Nats' offseason wish list? - (MASN)
"The Nationals have plenty of needs as they attempt to patch some significant holes and return to contention next year. And the time has come to start shopping."

Six free agents Nationals could sign without busting budget – (The Athletic)
"Odorizzi is close to Washington’s new pitching coach Jim Hickey and had a career 2019 season, making the All-Star Game with the Twins."

Doubles can turn into homers as minor leaguers move to majors - (MASN)
"Looking into the crystal ball of some of the younger Nats prospects that got their feet wet in the big league pool in 2020, there are some promising doubles numbers, too."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB Presents Ultimatum To Fresno Grizzlies: Move To Class A Or Get Dropped - (Baseball America)
"Now in the final days of the long-running MLB-MiLB talks, MLB has presented what appears to be an ultimatum to the Fresno Grizzlies: accept a move to Class A or be dropped from affiliated baseball altogether."

City leaders meet to discuss future of Fresno Grizzlies - (ABC30 Fresno)
"First, the pandemic brought all their games to a screeching halt. Then the baseball team lost their Triple-A affiliate when they were dropped by the Washington Nationals."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies cut workforce by more than 80 positions - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Most every team has reduced its workforce, some months ago. Phillies ownership is on record as saying it lost 'significantly more than $100 million' in 2020."

Mets, Steve Cohen biding their time: 'Lots of irons in the fire' - (NY Post)
"On Saturday, Cohen replied on Twitter to a fan inquiring about the offseason that there was 'nothing to report yet. Lots of irons in the fire.'"

Despite exciting flashes, Brinson still buried on Marlins depth chart - (Fish Stripes)
"Lewis Brinson had another rollercoaster season, but performed better this year than in any of his prior campaigns."

MLBTR Poll: Grading The Braves' Recent Signings - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"There are plenty of reasons the Braves’ front office decided to jump the market on these specific pitchers."