The Washington Nationals have filled the vacancy in the starting rotation with Jake Irvin sidelined
After 16 games in 16 days, the Washington Nationals are enjoying a much-welcomed off day before the San Diego Padres arrive at Nationals Park for a three game series beginning Friday night. Yet the Nationals will do so with a slightly different pitching staff after a flurry of moves have been made since the series finale against the Guardians.
The Nationals announced late on Wednesday evening that PJ Poulin has been optioned to Triple A Rochester. Poulin owns a 3.28 ERA in 25 appearances this season and made a pair of appearances in the series against Cleveland, allowing one earned run and tossing one strikeout and a pair of walks over three combined innings.
This marks the second time in May that Poulin has been optioned down to Rochester as the front office worked through several pitcher injuries, though the Nationals will get one back after being activated once again.
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 first reported that Cole Henry has been recalled from the 15-day injured list, though he's been sidelined since mid-April with a right rotator cuff strain. Henry allowed one earned run over five rehab innings in Rochester while ending his stint with a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio while averaging a 94.1 mph four seam fastball.
As for Friday night, the Nationals will turn back to an opener with Paxton Schultz expected to open the series. Through 15 appearances this season, Schultz owns a 5.30 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with 21 strikeouts to five walks over 18.2 innings. Schultz will look to close the month on a high note after owning a 7.27 ERA through 8.2 innings through May.
It marks a notable move given Andrew Alvarez was initially expected to draw the start, which would have marked his first of the season, as he's now set to step in relief of Schultz in the opening innings.
Through 12.2 innings this season, Alvarez has recorded 16 strikeouts to just four earned runs and three walks while he owns a 2.84 ERA, giving the 26 year old a chance to capitalize on an expanded role. How long Alvarez also lasts during Friday's start is also worth tracking given he has yet to throw more than 62 pitches all season, which came during his regular season debut back on April 19.
Washington will head into Friday's three-game series against the Padres still above .500 and just 1.5 games back from the final spot in the early wild card race.
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