Victor Robles says he’ll be ready for opening day despite missing extensive time

Victor Robles only began working out with his Washington Nationals teammates Saturday. Opening day is just a few days off. But in the 23-year-old’s eyes, it will be no sweat.

Robles said Sunday he believes he’ll be ready for Thursday’s season opener against the New York Yankees despite missing most of the summer training period.

“Absolutely,” Robles said, via the team’s translator. “I think that I have the ability and the youth that helps me get ready quickly. I think the team brought enough things for me to work on to where I feel like I’m definitely gonna be able to be ready for opening day, if possible.”

The center fielder had to quarantine for 14 days after coming in contact with an unidentified teammate who had tested positive for COVID-19. Robles was the last player to join the Nationals’ team workouts late, following other important expected starters like Juan Soto and Howie Kendrick.

Robles first appeared Saturday in the dugout of the Nationals’ exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies, but he did not play.

Manager Dave Martinez said Robles took six at-bats in a simulated game Sunday, along with a little bit of everything else: batting practice, running the bases and working in the outfield.

“The beauty about Victor is he brings all this energy,” Martinez said. “Just to have him in camp, he’s bubbly. He’s entertaining. He’s got that lithe body. It’s fun to have him around.”

In his apartment in the District, Robles did what he could to stay in shape, though he lamented not being able to work on his swing indoors. The Nationals brought him weights and baseballs and helped him with ways to work out. He also ran and played catch in the building’s parking garage.

“We were able to actually get quite a bit accomplished in what we were allowed to do,” Robles said.

He acknowledged that he’s working within a very short time frame before the season begins. In his mind, his mental readiness to play again will be just as important as his physical readiness.

“And I feel like I’m there, I’m staying positive and mentally prepared so I think (that) I’ll be fine for opening day,” he said.

If Robles is not deemed ready in time for Thursday, veteran Michael A. Taylor might be called upon to start in center. Taylor played center for Washington in Saturday’s exhibition, which the Phillies won handily, 7-2.

The Nationals will play a pair of exhibition games with the Baltimore Orioles this week — Monday in Baltimore, Tuesday in the District. Robles could see some action in one or both of those games. After all, Sunday’s practice was the final one of the summer training period.

As a rookie in 2019, the Dominican Republic native played 155 games, batting .255 with 17 home runs, 65 RBI, 86 runs and 28 stolen bases. He took over center field following the departure of Bryce Harper, who split time in center and right.