Roster moves: 2023

[imref]

Nats sign Kevin Plawecki to a minor league deal. Probably heading to Rochester.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

That's a nice signing. I could see him slotting into the backup role to get Adams more defensive experience and game calling in the minors.

[NatsAllThe Way]

We still suck.  But in 4 -7 years with a new owner and TV deal, maybe we'll compete again.

[IanRubbish]

We still suck.  But in 4 -7 years with a new owner and TV deal, maybe we'll compete again.

The last of the $200 million remaining in salary deferrals comes off the books in 2029.  Feeling like a reboot might start in 2030.

[Mattionals]

Yadiel Hernandez has been released. What a ride for that guy.

[catocony]

Yadiel Hernandez has been released. What a ride for that guy.

Yeah, he had a couple of years in the sun.  The Nats have had good success with finding guys who are way past being considered prospects who finally make to the Bigs in their 30s. 

[welch]

Yadiel Hernandez has been released. What a ride for that guy.

Farewell YadiStar!

[imref]

Machado called up. Banda dfa’d, weems back to Rochester.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Was Machado not on the 40 man roster?

[catocony]

No, he wasn't.  They purchased his contract this morning.

04/30/23    Washington Nationals designated LHP Anthony Banda for assignment.
04/30/23    Washington Nationals selected the contract of RHP Andrés Machado from Rochester Red Wings.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Hmmm. I guess Weems is useless for a day or two after going twice Saturday, but was Machado the best reliever? If Dougherty is right and they need an extra starter this week, then I somebody will need to be sent down. Harris has options, so maybe Machado stays

[catocony]

Chad Kuhl and his MLB 9.41 ERA and 1.95 WHIP are going on the DL.  Cory Abbott and his AAA 6.46 ERA and 1.39 WHIP is being called up.

[Natsinpwc]

Chad Kuhl and his MLB 9.41 ERA and 1.95 WHIP are going on the DL.  Cory Abbott and his AAA 6.46 ERA and 1.39 WHIP is being called up.

Not surprising.  They needed a starter for Wednesday in any event. Corbin or Kuhl would have needed to go on three days rest.

[imref]

subtraction by subtraction

[JCA-CrystalCity]

so it is Gore - Williams - Abbott - Corbin for this series and Gray on normal rest Friday.  Seamless.

I think Peralta has outpitched Abbott but Peralta would have required dropping someone off the 40 man roster.

[catocony]

so it is Gore - Williams - Abbott - Corbin for this series and Gray on normal rest Friday.  Seamless.

I think Peralta has outpitched Abbott but Peralta would have required dropping someone off the 40 man roster.

I hear that sprained toes can take 60 days to heal, especially when they don't have a decent fastball.

[imref]

So Abbott probably doesn't start Wednesday. Could we see the return of Espino?

[aspenbubba]

So Abbott probably doesn't start Wednesday. Could we see the return of Espino?

Maybe the long awaited opener

[imref]

Maybe the long awaited opener

lane Thomas?

[Natsinpwc]

Maybe the long awaited opener

Mason Thompson!! 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

So Abbott probably doesn't start Wednesday. Could we see the return of Espino?

Maybe likely? Either Abbott gets sent back down or perhaps Hobiecat.

I'm thinking that Abbott may be here to be a long man along with Ward, while Espino is the real next starter. Slotting Peralta into the rotation may be more difficult now that Kuhl is on the IL.  I don't think you can release a guy on the IL. Hobie can be sent down. He has 3 options.

[imref]

Jake Irvin starting tomorrow per Zuck

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Any announcement of who gets sent down?  I wouldn't be surprised if it is HobieCat. I think Abbott stays and is still a 5th starter candidate when Irvin is sent back down.

The other way to play it is sort of to stream guys into the 5th slot or bullpen help. Send down Abbott, call up Irvin, send down Irvin, bring up a bullpen arm, send the arm (or Machado) back down and call up Espino for the next start, then bring in another bullpen piece to be sent down for Abbott or someone else for a start. Gives the team an extra bullpen arm most of the time.  Could even build in a Ward start at some point.

[Mattionals]

Any announcement of who gets sent down?  I wouldn't be surprised if it is HobieCat. I think Abbott stays and is still a 5th starter candidate when Irvin is sent back down.

The other way to play it is sort of to stream guys into the 5th slot or bullpen help. Send down Abbott, call up Irvin, send down Irvin, bring up a bullpen arm, send the arm (or Machado) back down and call up Espino for the next start, then bring in another bullpen piece to be sent down for Abbott or someone else for a start. Gives the team an extra bullpen arm most of the time.  Could even build in a Ward start at some point.

Abbott was optioned.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Abbott was optioned.

interesting. I've thought Harris has been on option watch, but Abbott I think became the obvious choice once he was used in relief. I'm curious about whether Irvin can really "win" the 5th spot tonight or whether this is a one and done manipulation of the last spot on the staff (rotating starters and relievers with options in and out between 5th starter turns). I suppose Irvin could be up for 2 starts even if he's bombed tonight. I don't see his record this year as so solid that he "earned" a spot.