Sammy Solis: Bullpen Option?

Photo Credit: Sammy Solis’s Twitter Page

The Washington Nationals have plenty of arms stacked up in the minors and possibly on the big league club. One of those guys is Sammy Solis. He has pitched in two seasons at A+ ball in Potomac. Those two seasons are split by a missed season due to Tommy John Surgery. Solis had the surgery in early 2012 and missed the entire 2012 season.

He came back in 2013 to pitch in 13 games at Potomac giving up 22 runs in just under 58 innings. He hasn’t gotten above A+ ball just yet, but I believe he could start the season in AA or even AAA. He will be on an innings limit most likely, but if the Nats can keep him at about 100 innings in the minors he could be a viable option for the bullpen in the second half of the season for the Nats.

He pitched great in the Arizona Fall League this year, and should have a lot of confidence coming into the season. If he can perform a little above average he has a shot to be the lefty option Matt Williams can go to, in the middle innings. It is uncertain about anything really concerning Sammy Solis but it is fun to speculate at times.

If Detwiler doesn’t earn the 5th starter spot, and ends up in the bullpen, it is very doubtful that Solis makes it on the roster before the September call-up even if at that point. He still has to perform in the minors to prove to scouts that he can face big league hitters and succeed.

I am a big fan of Solis, for working hard to get back to where he is today. He was arguably a top five pitcher in the Arizona Fall League with a lot of stud arms finishing behind him. You can only give him a chance and see how he does. If he succeeds, then you let him keep flying, if not, he can be sent back down to the minors for more work and to become better. You will never know, if he doesn’t get the chance.