Darren Baker promotion: Dusty Baker’s son will be called up by the Nationals on Sunday, according to report

The Washington Nationals will bring one of baseball’s most famous sons to the big leagues when rosters expand on Sept. 1. Darren Baker, the son of longtime player and manager Dusty Baker, is getting the call, Talk Nats reports. The team has not yet announced the move. The September roster expansion period begins Sunday.

Baker, 25, was Washington’s tenth round pick in the 2021 draft. He’s most famous for serving as the San Francisco Giants’ ball boy in 2002 when Dusty managed the club, and for getting saved by JT Snow at home plate during Game 5 of the World Series. Yes, this kid is now a big leaguer:

This season, Baker has a .285/.348/.340 batting line with 38 stolen bases in 112 Triple-A games. He is a second baseman who has also dabbled in the outfield, and his game is based on speed. Baker has hit zero home runs this season and has hit only six home runs in 346 professional games.

Baseball America ranks Baker as the No. 27 prospect in the Nationals’ farm system entering 2024. His scouting report says he “may be limited to a reserve role given his lack of usual power.” The Nationals are 61-74 and well out of the postseason race. They are using September to take a look at young players, including Baker and 2023 No. 2 pick Dylan Crews, who made his debut on Monday,

Dusty Baker, 75, retired from the managerial position after last season. His 2,183 managerial wins are the eighth most of all time, and he led the Houston Astros to the 2022 World Series title. Baker was also a fine player. He played 19 seasons in the big leagues from 1968-86 and retired with 1,981 hits, 242 home runs and two All-Star selections.

The current September roster expansion rules give each team one extra pitcher and one extra position player. Teams can no longer call up their entire 40-man roster.