Nationals' 2nd Round pick Andrew Suarez not signing, returning to University of Miami

According to multiple reports including one from Andrew Suarez himself on Instagram which has since been confirmed by Baseball America's John Manuel, the Washington Nationals' second round pick will return to the University of Miami, option not to sign with the Nats who took the 21-year-old left-hander with the 57th overall pick this past June.

Miami coaching staff confirming his instagram that Andrew Suarez, #Nats 2nd-rounder, will be returning to @CanesBaseball for senior season.

— John Manuel (@johnmanuelba) July 18, 2014

The decision to return to school on Suarez's part has since been confirmed by the University of Miami's baseball team on Twitter @CanesBaseball:

Welcome (BACK) To The U, Andy Suarez! The lefthander and second-round pick will be pitching at Mark Light Field in 2015! #Omaha

— Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 18, 2014

Nationals' Assistant GM and VP of Scouting Operations Kris Kline was excited about getting to draft Suarez when he talked to reporters after the selection.

"We got Suarez from the University of Miami who we love," Kline said. "Big lefty. Physical kid. Up to 97 with a plus slider and a plus changeup that commands his stuff very well."

The left-hander had surgery for a labrum tear in 2012, but Kline told reporters after the selection that the shoulder was not an issue for the pitcher, who returned to the mound in 2013-14.

"The velocity has been there," Kline said. "The secondary stuff is there. Everything is crisp. He throws strikes.

"Tremendous competitor. He had a really good year this year. We're never going to take a hurt guy, whether it's a guy like [Erick] Fedde, or somebody that's going to require surgery unless we feel that he can get to the big leagues quick. Suarez fits that criteria. And he's healthy right now. 100%."

Nationals' 1st Round pick Erick Fedde remains unsigned, chatter picking up

Photo © and courtesy @Nationals on Twitter

Kline projected that Suarez could end up being a, "middle of the rotation starter," but the southpaw has apparently opted to return to school and see if he can get picked higher after another collegiate campaign.

Suarez was (6-3) with a 2.95 ERA in 16 starts for Miami in 2014, walking 15 (1.23 BB/9) and striking out 87 (7.14 K/9) in 109 2/3 IP last season.

The recommended slot bonus for the 57th overall pick was $987,800.

The Nationals are reportedly close to a deal with their 2014 1st Round pick Erick Fedde. The deadline to sign this year's picks in 5:00 PM EDT this afternoon.