The Miles Mikolas era as a Washington National is officially over after the team announced a pair of roster moves on Wednesday
After previously releasing starting right hand pitcher Zack Littell, the Washington Nationals have announced another pitching departure along the starting rotation.
The Nationals have announced that right handed pitcher Miles Mikolas has been designated for assignment, an expected move after the veteran struggled during what ended up being a disappointing lone season with the organization.
His debut with the team ended in a loss after he allowed four earned runs and six hits across five innings in a 10-2 finish against the Chicago Cubs, while Mikolas would then take the mound for Washington's home opener in what proved to be a disastrous start. His 11 earned runs allowed marked a franchise record for the most earned runs allowed in a Nationals game since 2005, along with marking the fourth time Mikolas allowed ten or more runs in a start.
The pair of performances would foreshadow what was to come as Mikolas posted a 5.82 ERA and 1.38 WHIP while owning a 3-9 record across 25 appearances. Mikolas allowed four or more earned runs in nine of his 25 appearances this season.
His final appearance came during Tuesday night's loss to the Chicago Cubs after the veteran came in relief to help close the contest, while he was seen hugging his teammates and coaches in the clubhouse after the game. Though a key part in the clubhouse, the roster move comes weeks after Littell has also struggled with a chance for fresh blood to now impress.
Yet with the Nationals proving to be sellers at the trade deadline and the postseason outlook still somewhat distant as they enter Wednesday trailing the San Diego Padres by five games for the final Wild Card spot, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni will get a chance to evaluate part of the future with the veteran departure was met with one of the organization's young arms set to join the 40 man roster.
The move was also announced alongside the Nationals officially selecting the contract of left handed pitcher Jackson Kent, the team's eighth best prospect, per MLB Pipeline, who is now set to make his MLB debut in game two against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night. Kent arrived in the organization after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
First pitch is set for 6:45 PM tonight as the Nationals look to even the series at Nationals Park.
