The Nationals made a few roster moves today to shore up their beaten and injured rotation.
First, the Nationals recalled RP Jay Bergmann from New Orleans and optioned LH SP Billy Traber back to the Zephyrs. After last night’s bullpen fire drill, the Nationals needed a rested arm in the bullpen for this afternoon’s game against the Reds. Bergmann last pitched on Monday night in New Orleans and is likey available for a couple of innings today. In 11.1IP in New Orleans, he has surrendered 11H (1HR) and 3R (all earned) while walking 3 and striking out 10. He is likely in DC for one day because …
Given Patterson’s arm problems and subsequent skipping in the rotation, Zephyr LH SP Mike O’Connor will make his major league debut tomorrow night in St Louis. This move will require the Nationals to make both a 40 and 25-man roster move to open up spots for him there. 40-man roster move options abound, the Nationals could transfer Cristian Guzman or Robert Fick from the 15 to the 60-day DL, or more likely someone like Ty Godwin will be designated for assignment thus opening a spot for O’Connor on the 40-man. And then the Nationals will have to make a move on their 25-man roster to open up a spot for O’Connor to start his game, likely the quick demotion of Bergmann back to New Orleans. As for O’Connor, the 25-year old was the Nationals 2005 Minor League Pitcher of the Year in Potomac. In 4GS in 2006 for New Orleans, he has 18.67IP 16H(1HR) 7R(5ER) 8BB 20K.
Finally, former Nat Zach Day was claimed off of waivers from Colorado and is scheduled to start on Friday versus St. Louis. To make room on the 40-man roster for Day, the Nats designated CA Wiki Gonzalez for assignment. This removes Gonzalez from the 40-man roster in order to make room for Day. The Nationals will have to make room for Day on the 25-man to start, likely the demotion of O’Connor back to New Orleans after his Thursday start. Day pitched poorly for Colorado, in 13.1IP, he allowed 22H (3HR) 17R(16ER) 10BB 6K. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the RH SP traded last year for Preston Wilson will hopefully not be as bad as he has been in 2006, or as tentative as he was for the Nats in 2005.
UPDATE: Hat tip to DMCj from over at Yuda’s Gameday for this bit of information regarding Zach Day.
Right-handed pitcher Zach Day has some tightness in his right shoulder and “maybe a little muscle spasm,” according to a second opinion given by Dr. Timothy Kremcheck, team doctor for the Cincinnati Reds. Day asked for the second opinion after the Rockies designated him for assignment Friday.
He complained of shoulder tightness after being knocked out in the fourth inning Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, but he never had asked for any shoulder treatment.
The Rockies have placed Day on waivers. If no team claims him, they are expected to outright him to Class AAA Colorado Springs. Day could file a grievance and force the team to put him on the disabled list.
Regardless, the Rockies are obligated to pay his $600,000 salary. Day, though, could get additional major-league service time if he won a grievance and had to be put on the disabled list.
The plot thickens.
Bote Man | 26-Apr-06 at 1:26 pm | Permalink
OK, thanks for the extremely prompt summary.
As I understand it, DFA Wiki Gonzalez is another way of placing him on the waiver wire, such that he is either gone or could return to NOLa if nobody claims him?
Hmmm. Where would the Nats find an emergency emergency catcher now?
Thanx again!
Brian J Oliver | 26-Apr-06 at 2:42 pm | Permalink
Designated for assignment = When a player has been designated for assignment, his team has 10 days to decide to return him to the active roster, outright him to the minors, trade him, or release him. A player may only be designated for assignment if the 40-man roster is full and a player needs to be added. If a trade is made, a player is often designated for assignment to make immediate room for him on the 40-man roster. Most often, a player is designated for assignment when the team doesn’t have time to wait for him to clear waivers to add another player to the roster. Since any player who is removed from the 40-man must clear waivers to be released or sent to the minors, any player who isn’t traded within the 10 day span must pass through waivers. The only time a designated player can be returned to the roster is when the player provides proof of an injury that hindered performance, in which case the team will place that player on the disabled list.
Hat tip to Chris at Capitol Punishment
Tom | 26-Apr-06 at 3:43 pm | Permalink
What injury would he be claiming in a grievance? If he is injured why wouldn’t the Nats start him in some sort of rehab? Another injured pitcher is not what the Nat’s need on the 25 man roster. Does he have to pass a physical before the signing is official?
Tom | 26-Apr-06 at 3:47 pm | Permalink
Castilo at NOLA is very good defensive catcher. I was impressed how he handle Mike and the other pitchers. When Harper’s finger heals he’ll probably be the first choice since he is younger.
Brian J Oliver | 27-Apr-06 at 7:07 am | Permalink
With regards to Day’s injury, it’s apparently his shoulder. The Post today makes it sound like the DL is an option and that he was picked up as pitching depth.
I’d prefer to see Castillo be brought up. His leadership behind the plate is fantastic. He was the starter for the Dominican WBC team and his manager spoke highly of him.
Tom - would you happen to be related to a recently recalled Nationals pitcher?
misschatter | 27-Apr-06 at 10:26 am | Permalink
I’d love to see Castillo brought up - he was my first choice in the backup derby to begin with. He was excellent in the WBC. I feel bad for Wiki, though. What a bunch of bouncing around (career-wise and emotionally). Although, I wonder if with our pitching problems, we will ever carry another catcher?