Jeff Kobernus Makes Major League Debut In Nationals’ 5-3 Loss To Phillies

May 25, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pinch runner Jeff Kobernus (26) leads off first base as Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) looks on during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals second baseman/outfielder Jeff Kobernus made his major league debut this tonight in the Nats’ 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Kobernus entered the game in the eighth inning as a pinch runner for Tyler Moore. However, he didn’t get a chance to advance a base, as Chad Tracy and Denard Span would each pop out back to back to end the inning.

Kobernus was originally drafted by the Nationals in the second round in 2009. The Tigers had selected Kobernus in the Rule 5 draft this offseason hoping to use him as an outfielder, however he ultimately didn’t make the roster and was returned to the Nationals. Kobernus hit .283 in 4+ minor league seasons, and was hitting .333 in 174 at-bats at AAA Syracuse prior to being called up yesterday.