The Nationals introduced on Friday that they’ve optioned left-handers Shinnosuke Ogasawara and DJ Herz to Triple-A Rochester. Infielder Nasim Nunez and catcher Drew Millas have been additionally despatched down. As Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com writes, this basically finalizes Mitchell Parker because the season-opening fifth starter.
Supervisor Dave Martinez stated early in camp that MacKenzie Gore, Trevor Williams, Michael Soroka and Jake Irvin had rotation spots safe. The ultimate job was up for grabs amongst Parker, Herz and Ogasawara. The previous appeared to be the favourite going into camp, as he’d pitched to a 4.29 ERA in 29 begins as a rookie. Herz and Ogasawara most likely needed to pitch very effectively this spring to leap him on the depth chart.
That didn’t occur. Parker had the steadiest Spring Coaching efficiency. He allowed 5 runs with eight strikeouts and 4 walks throughout 12 1/3 innings. Whereas that’s not precisely a dominant exhibiting, Herz and Ogasawara each struggled. Herz gave up 9 runs in 9 2/3 frames. He issued 9 walks and solely managed 4 strikeouts. Ogasawara was tagged for 19 runs (15 earned) over 12 innings. The Japanese southpaw recorded 10 strikeouts and walked eight.
Ogasawara signed a two-year, $3.5MM free agent deal over the winter. In contrast to many NPB/KBO signees, he didn’t get a contractual clause that prohibits the workforce from sending him to the minors. He’ll start his U.S. profession in Triple-A after posting a 3.12 ERA with a modest 13.6% strikeout charge in his remaining NPB season. Herz made his huge league debut final season. He struck out practically 28% of opponents with a stable 4.16 ERA in 19 begins. He hasn’t constantly thrown strikes within the minors, although, and he clearly has not regarded sharp this spring.
