Nationals vs Phillies: Who is Joey Wiemer? Washington Nationals outfielder ties 75-year old record with a sensational start

Joey Wiemer has delivered one of the most remarkable starts to the 2026 MLB season, achieving a feat that only one player has managed in the last 75 years. The Washington Nationals outfielder tied Carlos Delgado for the most consecutive plate appearances (10) reaching base safely to begin a season, a rare milestone dating back to 1951. Previously, Wiemer also equaled an MLB-era record (since 1961) by reaching base in each of his first eight plate appearances.


Wiemer matched Delgado’s 2002 record during the Nationals’ series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. The record-tying moment came in the third inning when he lined a fly ball single into center field off Taijuan Walker, capping an extraordinary run at the plate. Wiemer opened the series in Chicago in dominant fashion, going a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate while adding two home runs and drawing two walks.


Earlier in the game, Wiemer kept his streak alive in dramatic fashion. He hit a sharp 91 mph grounder toward first baseman Bryce Harper and sprinted down the line at an impressive 29.7 feet per second - well above the league average. Harper made a diving stop and tossed the ball to Walker covering first. Though Wiemer was initially ruled out, a review confirmed he had beaten the throw, extending his streak. Wiemer’s streak finally ended in the fifth inning when he grounded out softly, closing a historic chapter in his breakout start.

Selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer quickly rose through the system, earning recognition as one of the organization’s top prospects thanks to his impressive 'five-tool' skill set. As of early 2026, he is working to cement his place in the majors with the Nationals, making the most of early-season opportunities while carving out a potential platoon role.

This red-hot start is even more impressive considering Wiemer’s recent journey. The 27-year-old was designated for assignment three times last year by the Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, and San Francisco Giants before being claimed by Washington in January.

According to MLB, Wiemer also set a new Nationals/Expos franchise mark, surpassing previous efforts, though Juan Soto still holds the overall record with 12 consecutive times reaching base in 2021.