The Nationals announced today that they have designated righty Justin Miller for assignment. He had been on the 60-day injured list.
Miller, 32, was working back from shoulder issues. Though he was ready to be activated, the club obviously decided that he wasn’t going to be a significant part of the relief mix going forward. The unit has struggled badly as a whole, but is likely going to receive reinforcements in the next two days.
It’s still possible that Miller will end up clearing waivers and landing at Triple-A with the Nats, though he’d have the right to elect free agency instead. He had a strong comeback showing last year in D.C., but never got things going this season.
To open the current campaign, Miller threw 15 2/3 innings of 4.02 ERA ball with 11 strikeouts and four walks. He did rack up 18 strikeouts without a single free pass in his 12 2/3 total rehab frames, but evidently the Nats did not expect that to carry over into the majors.
Chris79stl
Mozeliak just got another DFA woody…
nats3256
Still waiting on the Aaron Barrett call up.
Nats Town
Seriously what are they waiting for
Ruben_Tomorrow 2
He actually had a solid season last year. I’m guessing the Nats figured he wasn’t going to return from his injury this season.
andyg37
He threw 12 2/3 rehab innings. He’s most likely ready now.
gorav114
Strange. Good year last season, decent start to this season, and decent job during rehab. For such a bad bullpen seems like he would get a chance. Maybe because Nats expect to secure some bullpen pieces via trade.
whuron
7 FIP isn’t good or even decent
Francys01
To the Rays.
jay1947
Making room for an acquisition?
wv17
No he doesn’t free a spot as he wasn’t on the 40. They would have had to waive someone else to activate him.
blovy8
Better to just DFA Blazek and let Miller pitch a little
Rex Block
Why would they bring up Blazek just to DFA him?
nyarachnid
Nats as well as many other team will keep on acquiring relievers till one or 2 of them click. Jury still out on Rodney