Joan Adon, 23, got his feet wet with a start in the final game of the 2021 campaign for the Washington Nationals last October, and that brief exposure to the major league game did apparently factor in the club’s decision-making when they added him to the Opening Day roster over other options who have less time on the mound as professionals.
“I just think that Joan is farther in his professional career,” GM Mike Rizzo explained when he was asked about the final choice before the opener, which apparently came down to two of their young pitchers, Adon, and 23-year-old, 2020 1st Round pick Cade Cavalli, the top arm in the organization this season.