Washington Nationals To Stretch Out Reliever As Starter This Spring

It's looking like he could have a new role for the upcoming season.

The Washington Nationals will reportedly stretch out Wily Peralta for a potential starting role in spring training.

Peralta worked mostly as a reliever last season with the Detroit Tigers but had some success in the rotation in the 2021 season. In that season, he made 18 starts and held a strong 3.07 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, with 58 strikeouts over 93.2 innings. 

Peralta is in the Nationals' camp as an NRI (non-roster invite), but he would figure to have a very good chance of making the Opening Day roster.

Nobody's been able to hit the Wily Peralta split-change yet this season pic.twitter.com/te3FOFOQba

— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) July 6, 2021

Speaking on the situation, manager Dave Martinez said, "I know Willie had some success in the bullpen role as a long guy, but we are looking for him to come here and lengthen him out to start."

The Nationals would love to see prospects Cade Cavalli and Mackenzie Gore handle regular starting roles, but if not, Peralta will be asked to fill a larger role.

The thirty-three-year-old flew under the radar last season with the Tigers, where he worked as a long reliever. He posted a pristine 2.58 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts over 38.1 innings of work. He made 28 relief appearances and one start.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports