Washington Nationals News: Lucas Giolito starting Tuesday, Nats call up Rafael Martin

Today’s District Daily features stories on Lucas Giolito getting the start in tomorrow’s game against the Mets and the Washington Nationals calling up reliever Rafael Martin.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

We start off today’s Daily with news that many Nationals fans have been hoping to hear all season long, though perhaps not in these same circumstances. With Stephen Strasburg on the disabled list, the Nationals needed to call up a starter to take his spot in the rotation and start tomorrow’s game against Matt Harvey and the Mets.

During a press conference earlier today, manager Dusty Baker announced the Nats’ decision: they plan to call up top-prospect Lucas Giolito to pitch in Strasburg’s place.

It’s unclear whether Giolito’s first stint in the big leagues will be limited to Tuesday’s start, or if he’ll remain with the big league club beyond that point. Of course, that could depend on how Strasburg progresses from his injury.

But whether he’s here for the day or here to stay, tomorrow will be a big day for the franchise, and the biggest day of Giolito’s young professional career.

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Giolito solves the Nationals’ rotation problem for tomorrow, but the team needed to fill Strasburg’s roster spot for today’s game as well. As MLB.com’s Joe Trezza writes below, the Nationals have called up reliever Rafael Martin from Triple-A Syracuse for today’s game.

Martin gives the Nationals an additional arm in the ‘pen for tonight’s series opener against the Mets. With Giolito set to come up tomorrow, Martin will likely head back to Syracuse after today’s game.

Also in today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses several big promotions for key Nationals prospects — including Reynaldo Lopez earning a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Nats recall reliever Martin to take Stras’ spot

(Joe Trezza, MLB.com)

The Nationals on Monday recalled right-handed reliever Rafael Martin from Triple-A Syracuse as a corresponding move to Stephen Strasburg going on the disabled list.

Strasburg was scratched from his second scheduled start Sunday in Milwaukee with an upper back strain, which he said is tied to popping two ribs out of place during a recent weight room session. Strasburg called the incident “some kind of freak thing.” His disabled-list placement is retroactive to June 16. Read full article here.

Next: Washington Nationals Player of the Week: Wilson Ramos

Minor League Monday: Reynaldo Lopez promoted to Class AAA Syracuse

(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)

Here it is, our weekly update on the up-and-comers in the Nationals’ minor league system. Some affiliates embark on the second half of their seasons this week. Others are just beginning. Updates from all of them below.

CLASS AAA SYRACUSE

After a slow stretch in mid-June, shortstop Trea Turner is 10 for his last 20. He has scored a run in 28 of Syracuse’s 36 wins. He went 3 for 4 with three runs scored Sunday, and is hitting .304, tied for fifth in the International League. Outfielder Brian Goodwin went 3 for 3 in that Chiefs win, and is their second-leading hitter at .288. Read full article here.