The nationals placed right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the injured list for ten days, retroactive to Thursday, with swollen right shoulder. Washington selected right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino’s contract and recalled right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper from the alternate training ground (Fredericksburg), and Espino was scheduled to start instead of Strasbourg in Sunday’s game against the D-backs.
Right-hander Wander Suero (left oblique stump) was also placed in the 10-day IL. Espino, 34, will leave for Washington on Sunday against Arizona. He will mark his fourth career in the Major League and his second as a national member. It started on September 22, 2020 against Philadelphia, allowing three runs won in seven hits in four innings. It was followed by two innings of an unsuccessful relief, on September 27, against the Mets.
Harper, 32, did not appear in a game with the Nationals during his first stint in 2021.
Strasburg, 32, is 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA in two starts this season.
Suero, 29, appeared in eight games outside the Washington Bullring, with an ERA of 1.42 (1 ER / 6.1 IP).