Nationals Recall Starter to Replace Injured Rookie

The Washington Nationals needed a replacement for injured rookie starter Cade Cavalli.

As a result, the team has recalled pitcher Cory Abbott from Triple-A Rochester.

Abbott was initially expected to start in Cavalli's place on Thursday against the Oakland Athletics but, according to Mark Zuckerman, the Nationals need him out of the bullpen tonight and will then slot him into the rotation. 

Paolo Espino will start tomorrow vs A’s on normal rest. Cory Abbott needed out of the bullpen tonight, then likely to move into rotation after a few days.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 31, 2022

Abbott has thrown a 4.74 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts over 24 innings this season in the majors. His last two appearances before being sent down were very solid, however. 

In the minors this season, the twenty-six-year-old has been slightly worse, posting a 4.98 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts over 34 innings. Of the 12 games he's appeared in, he's started eight of them and has posted an 0-5 record. 

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports