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As usual these days, the first reports about the Washington Nationals calling a player up broke long before the actual announcement was made. At around 9:00 am this morning a report by Tommy Bryan in The Wilson Post, a local Tennessee newspaper, revealed that 25-year-old Old Hickory, Tennessee-born, Vanderbilt-educated right-hander Taylor Hill was being called up to the majors for the first time.
Drafted in the 6th Round of the 2011 Draft, Hill has been solid at Triple-A Syracuse so far this season with a (9-2) record and a save in 15 games, 14 starts and 93 ⅔ IP over which he's put up a 1.92 ERA, a 3.44 FIP, nine walks (0.86 BB/9) and 65 Ks (6.25 K/9).
Hill's college coach, Tim Corbin tweeted that Hill was being called up an hour earlier than The Wilson Post's report:
3 yrs ago, @TaylorHill was with us here in Omaha. 2day he heads to Milwaukee to join his Washington teammates...congratulations #whatakid
— Tim Corbin (@TimCorbin) June 25, 2014
Washington Post writer James Wagner and MASN's Dan Kolko have since confirmed that Hill is in the Nationals' clubhouse in Miller Park, joining a Nats' bullpen that Matt Williams told reporters last night is "gassed" after the 16-inning affair with the Brewers:
Taylor Hill is the clubhouse. He got the word of call-up at 2 am. Greg Dobbs looks like the corresponding move.
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) June 25, 2014
Taylor Hill is here. He's been called up from Triple-A. First stint in the big leagues.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) June 25, 2014
The Nationals have since confirmed the news while also announcing that veteran bench bat Greg Dobbs has been designated for assigment to make room on the major league roster:
The #Nats have selected the contract of RHP Taylor Hill from Triple-A. Greg Dobbs has been designated for assignment: http://t.co/MgtJEM8EFr
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 25, 2014
Dobbs, 35, was signed as a free agent after the Miami Marlins released him in early May. In 30 plate appearances with the Nationals, he was 6 for 28 with a double.
The Nationals also announced some additional roster moves, including the release of right-hander Christian Garcia, the injury-plagued reliever whose impressive 2012 season was followed by a year-plus of injuries which have limited his time on the mound:
Additionally, INF/OF Jeff Kobernus was reinstated from 60day DL & optioned to AAA. RHP Christian Garcia was released: http://t.co/MgtJEM8EFr
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 25, 2014