Nationals recalled Pitcher Ryan Mattheus Before Last Night’s Win

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Before last night’s 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins the Washington Nationals made a roster move to help bolster the bullpen by recalling the recently demoted Ryan Mattheus. It looks like they’re hoping his brief trip to the minors will have the same impact on him as it did with Drew Storen.

I admit that I didn’t think Storen being recalled so soon would work out after such a brief stint, but he’s pitched fairly well upon his return. Could the same thing be in store with the Mattheus callup? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Manager Davey Johnson wants the team to add a lefty specialist and didn’t rule out using Tyler Clippard as the closer down the stretch if Rafael Soriano continues to struggle. If Mattheus regains his form it would give Johnson another reason to make the switch at closer in my opinion.

Nats Press Release On Mattheus Callup:

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

Mattheus is 0-1 with five holds and a 6.26 ERA in 23 games with Washington this season. The 29-year-old allowed just one earned run with three strikeouts (no walks) in 5.1 innings during his five-appearance stint with Syracuse. In 11 games this season with the Chiefs, he posted a 2.03 ERA and .255 BAA in 13.1 innings.

Cedeno, 27, has not allowed a run in two relief appearances (1.1 innings pitched) with Washington. He is 0-0 with a 9.39 ERA in seven relief appearances this season with the Nationals and Houston Astros.