Struggling Pitcher Released Among Latest Nationals Roster Moves

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a losing streak that has flipped the season, leading the front office to turn to a handful of additional roster moves, including across its pitching staff and a final decision on a longtime weakness along the rotation.

The Nationals announced that right handed starting pitcher Zack Littell has been designated for assignment, likely ending his time with the organization after a struggling season.

Littell, 30, ends his time with the team owning a 4.97 ERA and 1.35 WHIP -- both marking the highest since he appeared in only two games with the Boston Red Sox during the 2023 season. The veteran allowed four earned runs and seven hits in his latest start on Tuesday night, which materialized in the team's first shutout loss since late May. It also marked the second start since the All Star break that Littell has allowed at least four earned runs. His departure adds a question whether Connelly Early, who was acquired ahead of the trade deadline, could also be inching closer toward a return after his second rehab outing was scheduled for this past Monday.

In the meantime, the Nationals also announced that Brad Lord has been reinstated from the 15 day injured list and returned from his rehab outing. Lord was initially placed on the 15 day injured list back on July 9, retroactive to July 6, after battling left side tightness. Lord has appeared in 27 games this season and owns a 3.88 ERA and 1.22 WHIP to give the bullpen another available right handed arm in hopes of ending the slide. He's coming off a 2025 season where he owned a 4.34 ERA with 108 strikeouts to 43 walks, his first season with the team.

Yet the first move of the day materialized with the team announcing that they have requested unconditional release waivers on outfielder Joey Wiemer, who posted a .150 batting average with just two home runs and six RBIs across 21 games in spring training. The surprising roster move comes after Wiemer has also played in 32 games for the Nationals this season, owning a .286 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs to match last season's totals.

Meanwhile, the Nationals will look to avoid an eight game losing streak, dropping their second consecutive four game series and third overall series amid postseason hopes fading through the final 47 regular season games.