The Nationals waited until the last possible moment before today’s game to make a final decision on catcher Yan Gomes, who left yesterday’s game with an apparent oblique injury. They did, however, ultimately place him on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain, per Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post (via Twitter). In corresponding moves, reliever Kyle Lobstein has been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for catcher Jakson Reetz, who will have his contract selected as he is added to the active roster.
It’s quite the whirlwind for Reetz, who spent just three days in Triple-A, backfilling for Tres Barrera, who was promoted to the bigs after last week’s Alex Avila injury. Reetz has yet to record his first hit at the Triple-A level, but he’s up on the Major League roster anyhow, presumably backing up Barrera. Reetz hit .233/.357/.383 in 143 plate appearances with the Double-A Senators in his first action above High-A ball.
The Nationals are already relatively short-handed in the bullpen, but the sudden rash of injuries to their catching corps forces them to expose Lobstein to waivers nonetheless. Washington lost T.J. McFarland to the Cardinals when Lobstein was added to the 40-man roster last week, and the Cardinals proceeded to snipe right-hander Justin Miller a couple days after that. Lobstein doesn’t have the track record of either McFarland or Miller, but the 31-year-old southpaw could very well find himself with a new organization by the end of the week. He was hit hard in three appearances for the Nats, his first Major League action since appearing in 34 games (17 starts) for the Tigers and Pirates from 2014 to 2016. He has a 5.06 ERA/4.39 FIP over 128 career innings.
Gomes, of course, is the headliner here. The 33-year-old Brazilian backstop has been a steady presence for the Nationals since they acquired him from the Indians prior to the 2019 season. Not only did he help steer the ship in their championship season — playing every inning of the final four games of the World Series after Kurt Suzuki was injured — but he has taken on an increased load in his age-33 season, starting 68 percent of their games behind the plate this year. In his two prior seasons in Washington, Gomes handled 57 percent of the catching workload.
He’s helped carry the load offensively as well. Gomes is slashing .266/.320/.439 with eight home runs in 231 plate appearances. That’s good for 102 wRC+, an above-average mark for any position, but well above the catchers’ average of 89 wRC+.
why not Read?
Read appears to be on the IL himself in Rochester.
I think Blake Swihart would have been available too. But Reetz was probably in line to get added to the roster this offseason anyway and this just accelerates it.
ah, okay
Swihart will probably get a cup of coffee in September
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Nationals are “putting on the Reetz”, I see.
I hadn’t heard Kyle Lobstein’s name in forever and didn’t realize that he had (briefly) made it back to the majors this year. He was decent but nothing special in 2016 in a limited run with the Pirates, but apparently has been roaming around the league at the AAA level since.
Kyle “Rock” Lobstein
Nice.
I’m way off topic here, but if I don’t ask now I might forget. Getting ready to watch Rangers and A’s. The pregame show was talking about tomorrow’s draft, and Rangers expecting to take Dallas Jesuit star Jordan Lawler with the second pick. He has quasi committed to Vanderbilt, but with an anticipated $6MM – $7MM signing bonus, would be very tempting. Now my question, is if he decides to accept the bonus, and join Rangers, is there a time limit that he is committed to the Rangers? If after a year he decides it’s not for him, does he give up any of the bonus, and is he free to pursue other teams at a later date, decide to go to college after what is essentially a gap year type situation?
You can’t return to college after playing in the pros. Happened to a friend of mine who was drafted out of high-school. Dude could touch 100 at times but ultimately couldn’t control the walks. Was released after a few years, still only about 21. But because he pitched professionally couldn’t go back and get that free college education he was in line for before he got drafted. In my mind yet another disservice against minor league players.
that’s a general NCAA thing that’s been around for quite a while now. no fault of baseball’s.
Thanks @MBD..
Good question.
If he signs, the rangers will have his rights for the foreseeable future. If he decided to go to college, then they have his rights, but he can’t go to another team unless traded or released.
Look at Kyler Murray
He was a top 10 pick by the A’s. Was given permission to play football at OU for one year and at that point decided to enter the NFL draft.
Should he decide he wants to pursue baseball again, he will report to the A’s as they have his rights
Much obliged @petersdylan. I remember the Kyler Murray deal now.
I remember when the Nats signed Bryce Harper at 17- part of his contract was that if they released him prior to making the 25 man roster the Nats had to pay for his full college education wherever he wanted.
He’s also committed to the Rangers either way once he signs, even if he goes back to college simply for a degree. They have his rights. He can’t just sign with another team.
Kyle Lobstein should give basketball a try .
I miss the Yanimal.
Signed,
An Indians fan
Unfortunately, soon it has to be Jon Lester DFA. He is tough as nails but he has to just be perfect now on the mound and it just isn’t working.