The Washington Nationals made a pair of roster moves, update on the newest pitcher to the rotation, plus a reunion in Nationals Park
Monday marked a busy day for the Washington Nationals' pitching staff after a handful of developments throughout the day.
It started with the team announcing that left handed pitcher Matt Krook had been designated for assignment. The news came less than one day after Krook walked three consecutive batters to begin the ninth inning in Sunday's win, leading manager Blake Butera to turn to Clayton Beeter to secure the game.
In six games with the Nationals, Krook posted a 7.71 ERA and 2.14 WHIP with four hits and six walks against four strikeouts. He also joined the organization after a five game stint with the Athletics culminated in a 14.73 ERA. This also marked the second time this month that Krook was designated for assignment by Washington, instead electing to hit free agency after clearing waivers two days later. Krook then re-signed one week later on a major league contract, but whether a third stint materializes is now a question heading into August.
To replace Krook in the bullpen, Washington announced that right handed pitcher Paxton Schultz was recalled from Triple A Rochester. Schultz, 28, has already appeared in 25 games for the Nationals this season where he owns a 5.87 ERA and 1.63 WHIP while tossing 31 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. He entered the season with just 13 career appearances as the right hander has stepped up to round out the rotation at points in 2026. Schultz last appeared for the Nationals back in late June when he allowed two earned runs in 0.1 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The news came prior to new Nationals pitcher Connelly Early, who arrived in the weekend trade in exchange for Curtis Mead, reporting to Nationals Park on Monday afternoon. Early, who will wear #19 in Washington, threw a bullpen session and will do so again in a few days after president of baseball operations Paul Toboni previously revealed plans for a scheduled rehab outing on Aug. 3.
The day closed out with a reunion in Nationals Park after former Nationals starter Max Scherzer took the mound to open the series between Washington and the Toronto Blue Jays.
After tipping his cap in acknowledgment of the fans ahead of the bottom of the first inning, Scherzer's night proved to be a short one after allowing four hits and one earned run on 75 pitches in just 2.2 innings, adding four strikeouts. Yet it also proved to be the more efficient start between the two teams after Eddy Yean served as Monday's opener, tossing just 20 pitches in 2.1 innings, allowing two earned runs and three hits during that span. Andrew Alvarez then took the mound before the Nationals eventually dropped the series opener, 3-2.
Shortly after the final pitch, the Nationals announced that Alvarez would be optioned down to Triple A Rochester with uncertainty who will take his spot in the rotation.
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