Trevor Williams Returns to the Mound for the Nationals
On a sunny afternoon in Chicago, the Washington Nationals announced the return of Trevor Williams to their active roster. The experienced right-handed pitcher was set to face off against the Cubs and Jameson Taillon, marking his first appearance since May 30.
A Stellar Start to the Season
Before his unexpected hiatus, the 32-year-old Williams had been enjoying the best season start of his nine-year career. He boasted an unblemished record of 5-0 and an impressive 2.22 ERA across 11 games before a right flexor muscle strain landed him on the 60-day injured list on June 4.
Close Monitoring by Manager Dave Martinez
While Manager Dave Martinez didn’t delve into the specifics, he expressed his intention to closely monitor Williams’ mechanics and workload during his return. Martinez acknowledged Williams’ readiness to return to the field, stating, “We’re prepared to limit his play, but we’re also ready to let him go. His primary task now is to focus on keeping the ball low and locating his fastballs effectively.”
Roster Changes and Rehab Starts
To accommodate Williams’ return, the Nationals reassigned reliever Zach Brzykcy to the Triple-A Rochester on the same day. In another roster adjustment, the team moved right-handed pitcher Joan Adon to the 60-day injured list.
In preparation for his return, Williams made two rehab starts with Double-A Harrisburg, pitching a total of 7⅓ innings across games on September 10 and 15. His career record stands at 49-54 across 200 games, with an 11-10 record and a 4.61 ERA during his two-season stint with the Nationals.
This return marks a significant moment for both Williams and the Nationals, promising an exciting turn for the remaining games of the season.