MLB Debut - Melvin Dorta

Infielder-Outfielder Melvin Dorta got the call from the Washington Nationals on 20 July to fill in for Jose Guillen DL'd with an elbow injury. Dorta's chief asset appears to be his versatility.

"I've seen guys that could play short and center field. But this guy plays left, center, right," Stearns continued before pausing for a breath, "third, short, second and first. We've had him at all those positions this year. And to tell you the truth, he's our emergency catcher if we ever get two catchers hurt in the same game."

Hat tip the Nationals Farm Authority.

The Venezuelan debuted 21 July in the Nats Re-opening Day 7-6 win over the Chicago Cubs. He pinch ran for Alex Escobar in the 9th inning only to be caught stealing. The next day he pinch hit in the 8th for relief pitcher Jon Rauch, lining out to Alex Ramirez.

Dorta joined Montreal back in January 2004 in a minor trade (for PTBNL) after five undistinguished seasons in the Red Sox organisation for whom he signed as a free agent in 1998.

He was hitting .277/.381/.329 for Harrisburg when he got called up. He's also turned his hand to pitching allowing 4 runs in one inning of relief work.

Dorta has spent the whole of the last two seasons with the Senators.

One of the accomplishments Dorta is most proud of during his time with the Senators was being selected by the fans during the last two home stands of the 2005 season as the "“Fans'’ Favorite"” Player.

His versatility counted for nothing during his cup of coffee at RFK. Following after Sunday's game Dorta was sent back to Harrisburg to make way for Damian Jackson who the Nats will/should/have/were supposed to activate from the Disabled List today.

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