The Nationals announced the reinstatement of reliever Trevor Rosenthal from the 10-day injured list Saturday. They optioned fellow right-hander Kyle McGowin to Double-A Harrisburg in a corresponding move.
In what looked like a beneficial move in the making, the Nationals signed Rosenthal to a $7MM guarantee last November. Rosenthal was coming off a season-plus lost to Tommy John surgery at the time, though he had established himself as a quality reliever with the Cardinals dating back to his 2012 debut. However, the 29-year-old Rosenthal has been anything but effective as a member of the Nationals. Not only did it take Rosenthal until his fifth appearance of the season to record an out, but he allowed 12 earned runs on seven hits and nine walks in three innings before going on the IL on April 26 with a viral infection.
Adding to his issues in 2019, the hard-throwing Rosenthal didn’t register encouraging numbers during his prolonged stay in the minors. While pitching at the Double-A level, Rosenthal yielded six earned runs on nine hits (two homers) with 11 strikeouts against seven walks in 9 1/3 innings.
At this point, it’s hard to believe Rosenthal will reestablish himself in Washington, but a turnaround would be a significant boon for the club. The Nationals’ bullpen has been one of the worst in the majors throughout the season, which has helped lead to an awful 28-35 record and a six-game deficit in the NL East. In the Nats’ most recent late-game blowup on Friday, closer Sean Doolittle surrendered the decisive two runs en route to a 5-4 loss to the Padres.
they should have extended his rehab or put him on the 60 day. anyone reasonable knew starting him in the majors this year wasnt good that he still needed to rehab. i doubt he’s a whole lot better now.
To paraphrase Harry Doyle in Major League: Well obviously the Nationals are thinking… actually, I have no idea what the Nationals are thinking!
One more chance. He will be dfa’d by July
Coming back in time to see if he’s a midsession trade candidate
He’s been having issues with control even before this surgery could be because of usage as well as that fastball he rocketed many times. I would have a thought rehab and time off would help but sadly I think he’s going to end up like Maness. Sad he’s a true talented player.
dont look now, but Maness may be starting in Texas soon
Another pitcher Matheny and Lilliquest ruined!
This is a shame. I really hoped he would bounce back and show signs of the Rosey of old. I dont know if you can really blame Matheny or not…but I’m gonna.
I think the first nine or ten batters he faced got on base against him. I find it hard to believe he has pitched only three innings this season. I don’t know how long they can afford to keep him.