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Nationals' RHP Blake Treinen to start on Thursday vs Pirates

Washington Nationals' manager Matt Williams told reporters on Sunday that there would be a conversation after his post game press conference about which pitcher would be called up to take Gio Gonzalez's turn in the rotation. Wiliams said today it will be Blake Treinen.

By Patrick Reddington
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In 6 2/3 IP out of the Washington Nationals' bullpen earlier this season, 25-year-old right-hander Blake Treinen gave up just one unearned run in three appearances. The former Oakland A's prospect acquired along with LHP Ian Krol and RHP A.J. Cole in the three-team Michael Morse trade with the Athletics and Seattle Mariners helped out in the 'pen in the majors, then went back to Triple-A Syracuse where he returned to work as a starter.

"'It was hard to deny him that opportunity with how he pitched against the Dodgers.'" - Williams on Treinen starting Thursday via CSN Washington's Chase Hughes

Called up to make a spot start against the Los Angeles Dodgers last month, Treinen gave up six hits and three unearned runs in what ended up an 8-3 loss to LA.

In two starts since returning to the Nationals' top minor league affiliate, the 6'5'' starter has given up 11 hits and three runs in 11 2/3 IP in which he struck out 10. On the year with the Chiefs, Treinen is (2-0) with a 1.96 ERA, a 2.80 FIP, five walks (1.96 BB/9) and 17 Ks (6.65 K/9) in 23 IP.

Nationals' manager Matt Williams was asked yesterday if Treinen would get the call again this Thursday when the Nats take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road in PNC Park in what would have been Gio Gonzalez's turn in the rotation if he wasn't placed on the 15-Day DL on Sunday with left shoulder inflammation.

"We're going to talk about that this afternoon," Williams said. "We haven't made that decision yet. Both he and Taylor Jordan have pitched very well, so we'll make that decision."

Before tonight's game with the Cincinnati Reds, Wiliams made the announcement that it will, in fact, be Treinen who gets the call for another spot start:

In 11 2/3 IP so far in the majors, Treinen has a 0.77 ERA, a 2.04 FIP, two walks (1.54 BB/9) and nine Ks (6.94 K/9) in four games.

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