Lopez named Nats' top Minor League arm

Before Reynaldo Lopez can join the Nationals on their postseason journey, he was recognized for the exploits that got him to this point.

The Nationals' third-ranked prospect was honored Saturday in Washington as the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year, while first baseman Jose Marmolejos garnered Player of the Year kudos.

Lopez, a 22-year-old right-hander, compiled a 3.21 ERA and 126 strikeouts against 35 walks over 109 1/3 innings in 19 starts between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse. The 2012 international free agent out of the Dominican Republic reached the Majors for the first time in late July and went 5-3 with a 4.57 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 43 1/3 frames for Washington down the stretch.

"There are going to be a lot of highs and lows," Lopez told MLB.com. "I was able to learn from my mistakes and keep working hard like I have been and keep working toward improving and getting better."

Marmolejos, 23, slashed .289/.370/.475 with 13 homers, 45 doubles, 74 RBIs and 87 runs scored in 136 games across two levels. Also a native of the Dominican Republic, he earned a promotion to Harrisburg from Class A Advanced Potomac in August and hit .299/.333/.417 over his last 33 games.

"[Nationals infielder Wilmer Difo and I] have talked about [making the big leagues] five years ago when we were just in the Dominican Summer League. We'd see the team and we're like, 'One day, we'll be there,'" Marmolejos told MLB.com. "Now to see [Difo], see that he accomplished it, it's a blessing. You can see that you can get there, too."

Another Senators player, Rafael Bautista, was presented with the organization's Bob Boone Award for on- and off-the-field values. The Nationals also recognized 17-year-old outfielder Juan Soto, who was named MVP of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League after batting .361 with five homers and 31 RBIs in 45 games.