The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
- Recalled left-handed pitcher Sam Clay and right-handed pitcher Patrick Murphy from Triple-A Rochester
- Optioned right-handed pitcher Gabe Klobosits to Triple-A Rochester
- Designated right-handed pitcher Jefry Rodriguez for assignment
- Right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra cleared outright waivers and declared free agency in lieu of accepting the assignment to Triple-A
Clay, 28, allowed one earned run on one hit in four relief appearances for Triple-A Rochester after being optioned on Aug. 11. He struck out five batters, walked two and converted his only save opportunity. Clay made Washington’s Opening Day roster and went 0-4 with a 5.80 ERA in 46 games out of the bullpen.
Murphy, 26, was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 14 and optioned to Triple-A Rochester. He appeared in three games for the Red Wings, allowing one earned run on two hits with three strikeouts and one walk in 2.0 innings of work. Murphy is currently rated by MLBPipeline.com as the No. 18 prospect in Washington’s Minor League system.
In 16 Minor League outings this season, Murphy has pitched to a 1.35 ERA (3 ER/20.0 IP) with 25 strikeouts, 10 walks and zero home runs allowed between Low-A Dunedin, Triple-A Buffalo and Triple-A Rochester.
In 12 appearances across two Major League seasons with Toronto (2020-21), Murphy is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA, 11 strikeouts, six walks and one home run allowed in 15.1 innings pitched.
Klobosits, 26, went 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA in 11 appearances across his first Major League stint.
Rodriguez, 28, posted a 5.92 ERA in 14 games in 2021, his second Major League season with the Nationals.
