Daylen Lile on the Verge of Making Nationals Rookie History
Daylen Lile is poised to etch his name into the Washington Nationals record books. With just one more triple, the rookie outfielder will break the franchise record for most triples in a single season, a record currently held by Bryce Harper.
A Season of Speed
For those who have been following the Nationals this season, Lile’s speed has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite only stealing eight bases in 77 games and getting caught five times, his overall performance has been impressive. With a slash line of .283/.331/.452, he has recorded five home runs and driven in 30 runs while crossing home plate 43 times. Lile has a knack for positioning himself to score, often making it to third base through his own efforts.
Chasing Harper’s Record
Lile’s most recent triple, achieved on Wednesday, brought his season total to nine, tying him with Harper for the most triples by a rookie in Nationals history. Harper set this record back in 2012 when he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper’s record is now within Lile’s grasp.
In surpassing Trea Turner, who had eight triples during his rookie campaign in 2016, Lile has moved into sole possession of second place for the Nationals. Turner, now also with the Phillies after his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, set a high bar that Lile has now eclipsed.
Historic Triple Performance
Recently, Lile showcased his extraordinary speed and ability to generate triples. During a game in Chicago, he became only the second rookie in Nationals history to record two triples in a single game since the franchise relocated from Montreal in 2005. The only other player to accomplish this feat was Bernie Castro, who managed it against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 16, 2006. It was a significant game for Lile, marking not only his exceptional skills but also the first time in 14 years that a visiting player had achieved two triples in a game at Wrigley Field.
National Standing
As of Saturday’s games, Lile ranks fifth in the Major Leagues for triples, trailing only Corbin Carroll of Arizona (16), Jarren Duran of Boston (12), Jung Hoo Lee of San Francisco (11), and Zach McKinstry of Detroit (11).
Rising Through the Ranks
Lile’s journey this season began at Double-A Harrisburg, where his stellar performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Rochester on April 30. He made his major league debut on May 23 after the Nationals called him up to fill in for the injured Jacob Young. Though he was optioned back to the minors on June 6, Lile returned to the big leagues on June 16. In his 47 minor league games, he posted an impressive .328/.377/.503 slash line, tallying four home runs and 29 RBIs.
The Nationals selected Lile in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, choosing him 47th overall out of Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2022 minor league season due to a UCL tear in his throwing elbow, an injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery.
As Lile continues to impress both fans and analysts alike, his next triple will not only solidify his rookie season accolades but also link him to one of the franchise’s most iconic players. With each game, he inches closer to rewriting a piece of Nationals history.
