Philadelphia – A potential grievance was avoided today when the Washington Nationals claimed pitcher Zach Day off waivers, ending the right-hander’s brief tenure with the Rockies.
“It looks like it ended well for Zach,” agent Brian Goldberg said, “because he’s been claimed by a team that says they are aware of his physical situation and the fact they spoke to doctor to give him the second opinion, it appears to be a good situation.”
The Rockies designated Day for assignment last Friday, leaving them 10 days to trade or release him. The situation became complicated when Day said his shoulder was hurt. Teams can’t release injured players. The Rockies believed Day could pitch through the tightness in his shoulder, so they went forward with the roster move after he had performed poorly.
In providing a second opinion, Reds doctor Tim Kremchek recommended two weeks rest and physical therapy for Day. The difference in diagnoses made it likely Day would have filed a grievance to regain service time, had he stayed with the Rockies.
By claiming Day, the Nationals absorb the right-hander’s $600,000 salary and he loses no service time. Day is expected to throw a bullpen session for Washington before his status regarding the DL is determined. Day was traded by Washington for Preston Wilson last July.
Day never found his footing in Colorado, going 1-3 with a 9.12 ERA.
