The Nationals have announced a pair of corresponding bullpen moves. Righty Will Harris, who had been sidelined with a groin injury, was activated from the injured list.
To create an active roster opening, the Nats placed southpaw Sam Freeman on the IL. He suffered a flexor mass strain in last night’s contest. Manager Dave Martinez explained that understanding the full scope of the injury will have to await further examination.
While it’s disappointing to lose Freeman after he made seven scoreless appearances, the Nationals are surely glad to have Harris back in the fold. Soon to turn 36, Harris inked a sizable deal in the offseason. He has to this point taken the ball only twice in D.C.
I think a lot of people may have assumed based on the contract that Harris would step in if Doolittle had any issues. With the exception of the one game on 8/8 versus the surprisingly competent O’s, Hudson has certainly done enough to keep the closer job for now. Also, for what it’s worth, by the time I read this, another post went up about Doolittle going on the IL, so the timing of this seems pretty fortuitous.