Washington Nationals Recall Pitcher Drew Storen, Send Ryan Mattheus Packing

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Nationals fans will see a familiar face back in the bullpen with the team recalling the recently demoted Drew Storen to replace another struggling reliever, Ryan Mattheus. I’m not sure what to make of the team swapping out one struggling reliever for another? Don’t we have another bullpen arm somewhere in the farm system that deserves a callup?

There’s no way on earth that you can tell me Storen’s problems are fixed in two weeks. His issues ran deeper than simple tweaks to his mechanics, his confidence was completely shot and the team also had lost confidence in their former closer.  As a Nats fan, I hope Storen proves me wrong and pitches lights out for the rest of the season, but only time will tell.

The Nats Press Release Below:

The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Drew Storen from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Mattheus to Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Storen pitched in six games and posted an 11/0 strikeout-to-walk ratio with Syracuse. The 26-year-old worked 2.1 perfect innings with four strikeouts during his last three appearances with the Chiefs.

In 47 relief appearances this season with the Nationals, Storen is 3-2 with two saves, 14 holds and a 5.95 ERA.

Mattheus, 29, is 0-1 with five holds and a 6.26 ERA in 23 games with Washington this season