Nationals Try to Improve Pitching Staff by Claiming Experienced Reliever Off Waivers
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It seems like the Washington Nationals are trying to address their bullpen issues following a massive collapse against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
Prior to Wednesday's contest, the Nationals revealed that right-hander Paxton Schultz had been optioned to Triple-A Rochester, while in-season trade acquisition, left-handed pitcher Carson Palmquist, had been called up for his team debut.
That wasn't the only move Washington made, though. Per an announcement from the team, experienced big league reliever Justin Lawrence was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Jhancarlos Lara was designated for assignment.
Justin Lawrence Could Provide Nationals With Veteran Presence
The numbers aren't pretty for Lawrence. He had an ERA of 5.32 across 23 outings with the Pittsburgh Pirates this year before they designated him for assignment. Things got worse with the Twins, as his ERA was 18.00 in seven appearances. However, the 31-year-old has had success at different times during his career, including in 2025 when he had an ERA of 0.79 through 11 outings before he was placed on the injured list. He later returned that season and finished with an ERA of 0.51 in 17 total appearances.
Washington will bank on their pitching staff to help Lawrence break through. He has high-end stuff with his Stuff+ rating finishing above the league average mark of 100 in every season since his debut one. He also has an upper-90 mph four-seam fastball and sinker that he pairs with a devastating slider. So if he can put everything together, then he could be a huge pickup for the Nationals.
Time will tell whether or not that happens. But with a relief staff that is currently reeling, the front office had to do something to bring in some possible upgrades.
Nationals Pull Plug on Former Top 30 Prospect Jhancarlos Lara
As for the other side of this move, it was interesting to see Washington DFA Lara. They previously claimed the right-handed reliever off waivers from the Atlanta Braves and sent him to Double-A. The 23-year-old has big time stuff, but his control has held him back throughout his professional career. That was the case in Harrisburg, too, as his lone outing saw him walk two batters in less than an inning of work, while he gave up four earned runs on two hits.
Still, Lara is a former top 30 prospect in the Braves' system. And while Atlanta's pipeline isn't necessarily a strong one, there is some clear upside if he can ever reel in his control.
Of course, there's a chance that Lara goes unclaimed after the Nationals designated him for assignment. And if that's the case, that would be a huge plus for Washington since they could keep him in their developmental system without having him occupy a 40-man roster spot.
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Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he worked at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad became the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continued to cover Penn State athletics. Currently, Brad is the Publisher for Washington Nationals On SI and covers multiple teams across the On SI network. He is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, where he and his co-host discuss topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai