Yohandy Morales fueled a Washington victory with a stunning three-hit barrage, solidifying a spot among former Miami Hurricanes legends.
MIAMI, Fla. – Former Miami Hurricanes infielder Yohandy Morales was called up by the Washington Nationals ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Field, making his major league debut.
The 24-year-old was immediately named the starting designated hitter and batted fifth in the lineup. Morales left a remarkable first impression: three hits in five at-bats, including a home run and a run batted in. He led the Nationals to a 9-5 win over the Braves.
Morales became the 73rd University of Miami alum to reach the major leagues and the fifth in the last two years, according to a press release. He played three collegiate seasons with the Coral Gables program. In 2023, as a junior, Morales broke out by batting .408 with a 1.187 OPS, including 98 hits in 240 at-bats, 13 doubles, 70 runs batted in, and 20 home runs in 61 games (all starts). He slugged 49 total home runs, which ranks fifth in program history.
Afterwards, the Miami native declared for the MLB Draft and was selected as a second-rounder (No. 40) by the Nationals. A couple of years later, Morales was promoted to Triple-A. Starting the 2026 season with the Rochester Red Wings, he began to break through. In 104 games, he batted .286 with a .881 OPS, including 116 hits in 405 at-bats, 19 doubles, 76 runs batted in, and 25 home runs.
Morales’ call-up comes when major-league rosters expand from 26 to 28. He and left-handed pitcher Jared Simpson were the two to receive the special announcement. Morales has a chance of staying in the majors for the rest of the season.
The Nationals are currently 67-74, which is the fifth-worst record among National League teams. It’s been a difficult stretch of baseball in the nation’s capital since winning the World Series in 2019. The Nationals are on pace to have six consecutive losing seasons (excluding 2020).
Although the team has intriguing younger players, such as Daylen Lile, James Wood, and CJ Abrams, a full leap is expected at some point. Morales has an opportunity to be part of a rising young core. Despite uncertainty about professional baseball for the foreseeable future, given the expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement, he could at least carve out a case to stay on the main roster when the issue is inevitably resolved.
The former Hurricanes stud is climbing the ranks with a full month left on the regular-season schedule.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
