My, my it was a busy day yesterday for our nations capital baseball team. The Washington Nationals were making moves early and often during a busy day which included a number of roster moves. For those that are confused on what all went down yesterday, let me recap (all times are approximate):
Rick Ankiel gets designated for assignment (10:00 AM)
After batting just .228 with a .282 on base percentage, Ankiel was not the stellar batter that the Nationals have seen before. While his outfield play is still one of the best on the Nationals roster, it appeared as though they could have been making this move to clear a spot for a player being called up.
Drew Storen gets activated (10:00 AM)
Finally, Drew Storen gets the nod as the Nationals brought him up and off of the 60-day DL due elbow surgery. Long term, Storen could combine with Tyler Clippard as sort of a Closer A, Closer B routine. For now, Storen will most likely pitch in a set-up role. Last night, he pitched a scoreless inning for the Nationals.
Jhonatan Solano goes to the DL (10:45 AM)
Oblique muscles seem to be the bane of the Nationals existence in the second half. Ian Desmond has been sidelined ever since the All-Star break due to one and now Solano has been placed on the 15-day Disabled List due to a strain to his right oblique muscle.
Sandy Leon get recalled from Double-A (10:45 AM)
After receiving word that Solano was, indeed, not available, the Nationals went to their farm system to find their replacement catcher. Sandy Leon, who's already had one stint in the majors this year, was recalled from Double-A Harrisburg. So far this season, the 23 year old is batting .313 with an on base percentage of .367 in the minor leagues.
Well, that about wraps up the roster move portion of this post. Now, onto some other Nationals news!
It's Rizzo's Call
Nationals GM Mike Rizzo stated yesterday that it is his call, and his alone, as to when Stephen Strasburg will be shut down for the remainder of the season. Currently, many believe that Strasburg will be shut down after 160 innings. Rizzo would say otherwise. "There is no magic number," Rizzo said. "It will be the eye test. Davey won't decide and ownership won't decide. It will be the general manager and that's me."
Werth to begin Rehab
After a successful batting practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the Nationals have now sent outfielder Jayson Werth to High-A Potomac to begin rehab on his broken left wrist. Since things are progressing so well, Werth could be back in the majors by the end of the month.
Rendon Returns
Nationals star prospect Anthony Rendon began rehabbing his left ankle that he fractured in April yesterday. In a game in the Gulf Coast League, the third basemen went 0-2 with a line-out and fly-out. Once the Nationals feel he's ready, he will be sent to High-A Potomac.
Lannan To Start
Former opening day starter John Lannan will get the nod Saturday night against the Atlanta Braves. He will be recalled from Triple-A to start the nightcap of the double header. Lannan has a 4.60 ERA through 17 starts in Syracuse.
Desmond Returns
After sitting on the bench and being listed as day-to-day with an oblique strain, Ian Desmond is expected to be in the starting line-up for today's game. Desmond has been out since the All-Star break due to his oblique troubles, but has made appearances as a pinch runner and pinch hitter. Davey Johnson confirmed yesterday that Desmond will play tonight.
So there you have it! You are now all caught up with the Washington Nationals! You've got the latest personnel moves and player news. Feel like an expert now?
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Source: CSN, ESPN, Rotoworld
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