WASHINGTON — The Nationals sent left-hander John Lannan to Double-A Harrisburg, a demotion for their pitcher who started on opening day.
Lannan was 2-5 with a 5.76 ERA in 14 starts. He didn’t get out of the fifth inning in any of his last three starts, giving up at least 10 hits and five runs in each outing.
“I think he was starting to press,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. “I think his struggles were getting the best of him.”
The Nationals purchased the contract of right- handed pitcher Joel Peralta from Triple-A Syracuse. He is 4-11 with a 4.61 ERA in 221 major-league appearances with the Angels, Royals and Rockies.
Footnotes.
Left-hander Erik Bedard (shoulder) is in Arizona to face hitters again, a final step before making his season debut for the Mariners next month.
• The Blue Jays designated third baseman Edwin Encarnacion for assignment and announced pitcher Dustin McGowan will have surgery on his right shoulder today.
• The Tigers plan to recall pitcher Jay Sborz from Triple-A Toledo to replace demoted pitcher Rick Porcello.
The Associated Press
