Yepez extends club-record hit streak to open Nats career

WASHINGTON -- Juan Yepez joined the Nationals for Spring Training on a Minor League deal with a clear goal. He had been non-tendered by the Cardinals in November, and he was determined to make it back to the big leagues.

The 26-year-old knew it might take some time, but he was willing to put in the work and be patient.

That steadied approach led him to a Major League callup from Triple-A to the Nationals on July 5. His dedication has paid off in every appearance -- Yepez’s hitting streak to begin his tenure with the Nats reached 14 games on Tuesday in their 4-0 loss to the Padres.

“For me, it was a testament to how hard he really wanted it,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He really wanted to get back to the big leagues, and he worked hard every day.”

Yepez’s hitting streak is the longest such stretch in Nationals team history (2005-present).

He is tied for the fourth-longest hitting streak among all players beginning their tenure with a team, per Elias Sports Bureau. He joins Edgar Renteria (23, 2006 Braves), David Dahl (17, 2016 Rockies), Josh Willingham (15, 2012 Twins) and Jason Kendall (14, 2010 Royals).

“I’m just glad I’m being consistent,” Yepez said. “It’s the most important thing in this game.”

Yepez went 2-for-4 with a double on Tuesday. Through his first 14 games, Yepez is batting .377 (20-for-53) with eight doubles, six RBIs, six walks and nine runs.

“He doesn’t try to do too much,” said Martinez. “He has a plan when he goes up there. He’s using the whole field. He’s got a really good approach. … It’s fun to watch him play right now.”

Yepez connected on his first home run with the Nationals on Friday against the Reds. The three-run dinger off Reds right-hander Frankie Montas was also Yepez’s first big-league homer since May 18, 2023, with the Cardinals.

“Dream came true, I have to say,” Yepez said of the home run. “Every time you step foot on that field, it’s a dream come true. It’s not easy to be in the big leagues, and I’m just glad to be here.”

Yepez signed with the Braves in 2014. He was traded to the Cardinals for Matt Adams in 2017, and he made his Major League debut on May 4, 2022. Yepez hit .240 with 14 regular season home runs in 104 games with St. Louis.

Yepez had played the majority of his big-league innings in the outfield. When the Nationals assigned him to Triple-A Rochester to begin the season, they tasked him with honing his corner infield skills at first base.

Yepez was tabbed as the Nats starting first baseman after they optioned Joey Meneses to Rochester. Joey Gallo has been rehabbing a left hamstring strain since going on the injured list on June 12.

“When [Yepez] didn’t make the team, he was a little bit disappointed. I said, 'You’ve got a chance to help us at some point this year. You’ve got to go down and just continue to get better -- hit, but learn how to play some first base, primarily first base,'” Martinez said. “He did that. He went down and he did really well.”

In 74 games with the Red Wings, Yepez batted .263 with 11 home runs, 15 doubles and 41 RBIs. He also logged 536 innings at first base.

“One thing I noticed in Triple-A was he had a really good eye,” said Tuesday’s starter DJ Herz (Nationals’ No. 13 prospect, per MLB Pipeline). “I thought he was very patient and he knew what he was going to do. I thought he was a great hitter in Triple-A, and then I’m glad to see how well he’s doing right now.”

While on the Cardinals, Yepez soaked up as much as he could learn from the iconic Albert Pujols. Now, he is paying it forward in a Nats organization with an emerging young core.

“From what I understand, he was a really good teammate down there [in Triple-A] as well,” said Martinez. “He helped some of the younger guys out, did everything they asked him to do. Those are the kinds of guys that I personally love and look for because I know the adjustment won't take as long because they'll fit right in.

“He wants to do everything you ask him to do, and he's been really, really, really, really good. He really has. Not only on the field -- off the field, he’s a great human being.”