Nationals Make Waiver Claim, Get Bad News on Connelly Early

The Washington Nationals were able to end the losing streak during the series against the Philadelphia Phillies, but it was not enough to carry momentum into Thursday night after dropping the third consecutive series. Yet there were also additional moves made by the front office, along with a potentially concerning update about one of the newest pieces.

Debut on Hold for Starting Pitcher

The Nationals knew that it would be some time before left handed pitcher Connelly Early would be able to make his debut given he arrived via trade from the Boston Red Sox battling elbow issues with a scheduled rehab outing this past Monday, Aug. 3. Yet manager Blake Butera said on Thursday that Early will be pausing his recovery program after expressing forearm tightness in between innings of his live batting practice.

Butera noted that the concern with Early remains low with the team remaining "extra cautious" though whether he ultimately pitches this season could now materialize into a growing question with the Nationals beginning to watch a season that was once filled with promise gradually slip away following the trade deadline.

Early arrived in Washington having appeared in 17 games this season, owning a 3.44 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts against 34 walks. His first, brief appearance in the big leagues in 2025 materialized in a 4-1 record with a 7.3 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

New Waiver Claim

Ahead of the series finale, the Nationals added one more to the pitching staff.

Days after being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Nationals successfully claimed right handed pitcher Wyatt Mills off waivers. The 31 year old has bounced between the Dodgers and Triple A since he was called up in early May. Through six games this season, Mills owns a 5.68 ERA over 6.1 innings and six appearances, though three of those earned runs allowed came in his first appearance of the season. This also marks his first season in the big leagues since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery then spending time in the minors, while he's notched four strikeouts and allowed one run over his last three innings and two appearances.

Cleared Waivers

Two days after being unconditionally released by the organization, outfielder Joey Wiemer has officially cleared waivers with his next steps now unclear given his time with the Nationals is officially over. Wiemer appeared in 32 games for the Nationals this season, owning a .286 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs.