Fansided

Each MLB team’s expected call-ups for roster expansion

By Kyle Franzoni

May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

Summer slide had put the Washington Nationals into a precarious position. Now 5.5 games out in the National League East and 8.0 games out of the Wild Card hunt, the Nats still have a chance at the postseason, but things are not looking good. In fact, MLB.com gives them just an 8.9% chance for the division entering play of Monday, and just 7.4% for that final Wild Card slot.

The current standing of the team doesn’t lend very much to experimentation, at least in the early weeks of the month. We’ve already seen some of that with the handling of the team’s #2 prospect, Trea Turner, who has been with the team for 10 days but has seen only eight plate appearances. Needless to say, don’t expect the Nationals to deviate much from the 40-man roster.

Still, Washington may recall some reinforcements down the stretch, with right-handers A.J. Cole and Tanner Roark, and lefties Matt Grace and Sammy Solis likely adding some depth to the bullpen. Cole or Roark could also figure into the rotation with Stephen Strasburg experiencing more back issues.

The Nationals may also give a look to a third catcher for September, but they’ll have to play some with the 40-man roster to do so. They have that flexibility with Denard Span out for the season, allowing the team to slide him to the 60-day DL to make room as needed. That would allow the team to recall either Dan Butler or Steven Lerud from Triple-A Syracuse, although neither has been overwhelming at the level.

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