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The news broke on Twitter long before the Washington Nationals made the official announcements, but the team eventually sent out a press release with the following updates on the roster moves they made this afternoon. The 28-29 Nats recalled and reinstated Jayson Werth from the 15-Day DL; recalled Anthony Rendon from Triple-A Syracuse and selected left-handed pitcher Ian Krol from the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. The last two moves were something of a surprise. Anthony Rendon was just promoted from Double to Triple-A and was expected to work at second base in preparation for his eventual return to D.C., but it happened a lot earlier than expected. Krol, 22, was acquired in the three-team deal with the Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners that sent Michael Morse to the M's. Krol had a 0.69 ERA with seven walks and 29 Ks with the Double-A Senators so far in 2013.
In order to make room on the roster, the Nationals announced the following moves as well. Second baseman Danny Espinosa was placed on the 15-Day DL retroactive to June 3rd, and reports from Davey Johnson's pregame press conference today say that he's headed back to see a hand specialist to have another look at his fractured wrist. The Nationals also designated relievers Henry Rodriguez and Zach Duke for assignment. Rodriguez is out of options. Duke, Johnson told reporters today, is likely to catch on with another team that could use him as a starter. Duke had a strong season at Triple-A in the Nats' system as a starter last year, but did not perform well in a middle relief role this season with Washington.
Rendon is not in tonight's lineup, and Davey Johnson also said that he's not guaranteed to be taking over the starting spot at second. Here's what the Twittering class reported after meeting with Johnson before tonight's game with the New York Mets:
Davey says Espinosa needed to be convinced a little to go on DL. Davey: "I think it needed to be done."
— Amanda Comak (@acomak) June 4, 2013
No surgeries planned right now for Danny Espinosa. He will see hand specialist in Baltimore again and rest.
— Amanda Comak (@acomak) June 4, 2013
Danny Espinosa is on the DL. No word if it 's shoulder or wrist. Shoulder surgery appears to be one option on the table. No certainty.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) June 4, 2013
Davey didn't definitively say Rendon would be #Nats everyday second baseman. Said he'll "look at all options." Lombardozzi one of them.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) June 4, 2013
It's the wrist that put Espinosa on the DL. He'll see hand specialist tomorrow.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) June 4, 2013
Davey expects both Zach Duke and Henry Rodriguez to get picked up by other teams. #Nats like Duke as a starter. Inconsistent workload hurt
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) June 4, 2013
Davey expects both Rodriguez and Duke to be claimed by other clubs.
— Mark Zuckerman (@ZuckermanCSN) June 4, 2013
More info when it is available...