PHILADELPHIA — In need of bullpen reinforcements after three grueling games, the found them in veteran right-hander Matt Albers, who arrived from Class AAA Syracuse Sunday morning. Albers flew in to Philadelphia a few hours before Sunday’s game, and was unpacking his things in the locker most recently occupied by Jeremy Guthrie at around 10:45 a.m.
The Nationals designated Guthrie for assignment Sunday morning after he allowed 10 runs in two-thirds of an inning on Saturday night. When the Nationals need a fifth starter again, which is not for more than a week because of days off, they can call up Joe Ross to reclaim his intended spot in the rotation. Dusty Baker insisted Ross was not competing for his fifth spot, but rather in Syracuse as a way to maximize big league roster spots and manage Ross’ workload.
“Joe will be back. There’s not a competition so much for Joe,” Baker said. ” . . . because Joe’s future is so bright.”
Guthrie must clear waivers before either accepting an assignment to Syracuse or pursuing work elsewhere. He is no longer on the Nationals’ 40-man roster. The Nationals had an extra spot for Albers on the 40-man already, and now have 39 players total.
Albers did not allow a run in 10 appearances as a non-roster invitee to spring training. The big right-hander showcased strong velocity and a consistent sinker, and has the ability to pitch multiple innings. After the bullpen had to find 7 1/3 innings Saturday, and lurched through late-game chaos on Thursday and Friday, it will be without Enny Romero, Oliver Perez and Joe Blanton on Sunday. Albers can serve as the emergency man behind Koda Glover, Sammy Solis and Blake Treinen, all of whom got Saturday off.
When Albers did not make the Nationals out of spring training, he hunted for a major league job elsewhere. He did not find one. So he accepted an assignment to Syracuse, where he spent all of one game before getting the call to fly back.
“They had seven guys who had spots, and (I) just kind of fell out of that top seven. I was excited to come back,” Albers said. “Obviously, it’s pretty nice to go down there for one day and come back. I’m excited. Was ready to stay there until they needed me.”
