This week for the Washington Nationals has been an interesting one. Between sweeping the division rival Miami Marlins, calling up multiple players for September call-ups, and getting oblitereated in their opening game of a weekend series in Chicago, the team has endured a lot of ups and downs.
As alluded to, the Nationals made their choices for September call-ups last weekend, and brought up lefty Andrew Alvarez and infielder Nasim Nuñez, who combined to make a huge impact on the sweep of the Marlins. Alvarez joined catcher CJ Stubbs as the second Nationals battery in team history to make their MLB debuts simultaneously, and accomplished some team history in the process. Nuñez hit the first two big league homers of his career against his former team in the series finale, and is doing everything he can to claim his spot on the 2026 roster.
But on Wednesday afternoon, as casualties continued to come in around the league from September call-ups, the Nationals struck again on the waiver wire. After adding another player to their 40-man roster earlier this week as well in catcher Jorge Alfaro, the team added an interesting reliever that could have some legitimate upside on the mound.
The Nationals claimed righty Sauryn Lao off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, and his career to this point has been pretty interesting to say the least. He began his career as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and would remain in the minor leagues of the organization, but that's not all that's interesting. Funny enough, until 2022, Lao was actually a position player, as he was an infielder for them until he decided to convert to pitching in an effort to fast track his big league potential.
It appears as if that ended up being the right move in the long run, as Lao made his first relief appearance in 2023, and reached as high as AAA during last season. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Lao signed a deal with the Seattle Mariners, and made the big leagues for the first time in his career this past April.
Lao has unspectacular big league numbers in just 2 career appearances, with an 8.10 ERA and 2.10 WHIP, but has been very solid in AAA this season, with a 3.18 ERA and 1.17 WHIP while pitching almost exlusively out of the bullpen. Already 26-years-old, Lao should have a good opportunity to get a big league chance with the Nationals before the season ends, as he was optioned to AAA Rochester after being claimed. As the corresponding move, infielder Darren Baker, the former son of Nationals skipper Dusty Baker, was DFA'd before clearing waivers and heading back to Rochester.
What do you think of the Nationals claim for Sauryn Lao? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.