Washington Nationals Designate Henry Rodriguez, Zach Duke For Assignment; Activate Jayson Werth From DL

Henry Rodriguez has been known to hit 100 MPH with his fastball. He’s been DFA’d by the Nationals and could potentially draw some interest around the league. (Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)

As part of a larger roster shuffle this afternoon, the Washington Nationals have designated right-hander Henry Rodriguez and left-handed Zach Duke for assignment. The moves created openings on the active roster that permitted the team to activate Jayson Werth from the disabled list and recall left-handed Ian Krol.

Rodriguez has made 17 appearances for the Nationals on the year, posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.667 WHIP across 18.0 IP. The hard throwing righty has had an especially tough time with his control on the year, walking almost a batter an inning. Over parts of the past five seasons he’s 5-7 with a 4.23 ERA in 144.2 IP with the Nationals and Oakland Athletics. Duke, meanwhile, has put up an 8.71 ERA and 1.887 WHIP in 20.2 IP over 12 appearances this year. As the primary lefty in the team’s bullpen, Duke’s limitations have been exposed as he’s been unable to develop any consistency. He’s 50-75 with a 4.60 ERA over nine years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Washington.

Rodriguez, 26, and Duke, 30, could both still prove serviceable if given an opportunity to figure some things out. Rodriguez’s ability to touch 100 MPH certainly adds to his appeal, but he’s out of options so it remains unclear if another team will take a chance by claiming him off of waivers.

Krol will likely step right into Duke’s role in the bullpen. The 22 year old has looked impressive at Double-A, posting a 0.69 ERA and 0.808 WHIP across 26.0 IP. He’s yet to pitch above Double-A in his career, so the jump to the Major Leagues may prove to be a big one for the former 7th Round Draft pick (2009, Oakland). Krol came to Washington as the player to be named later in the offseason trade that shipped Mike Morse to Seattle.

Finally, the activation of Werth comes at a good time for the Washington lineup. With Bryce Harper recently landing on the DL himself, Werth’s return will help bring some punch back to a lineup that has mostly struggled to score runs in recent weeks. He’d hit .260/.308/.400 in 107 PA on the year before landing on the sidelines with a strained hamstring and ended up missing more time than originally expected. He’s reportedly looked good in a number of rehab outings, including a multi home run game over the weekend.