Felipe Rivero, A.J. Cole Reassigned in Nats’ Second Round of Cuts

Mar 5, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams (9) before the spring training action against the New York Mets at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Three days after reassigning several players to minor league camp, the Nationals made their second round of cuts Wednesday, trimming down the spring training roster.

This time, the Nationals optioned left-hander Felipe Rivero to Double-A Harrisburg and reassigned right-hander A.J. Cole to minor league camp.

Rivero, 22, made three appearances for the Nationals, allowing two runs over four innings of work. The Nationals acquired the young left-hander from the Tampa Bay Rays in the four-player deal that also brought catcher Jose Lobaton to DC. While Rivero is still a few years away from the show, many see him as a great talent and expect him to make an impact at the big league level in the not-so-distant future.

Like Rivero, Cole did not get many game opportunities out of the Nationals’ crowded bullpen. But the few times he got the ball, Cole was very impressive. The right-hander struck out seven batters and walked none in 6 2/3 scoreless innings. Cole,22, is viewed as one of the best pitchers in the Nationals farm system and could help the team at the big league level very soon.

The Nationals will likely make several more cuts in the coming days as the roster continues to shrink for Opening Day, which, believe it or not, is only two weeks away.