Nationals Notes: Nats call up Taylor Hill, trade for Red Sox' International Signing Bonus Slot

Washington Nationals' starter Max Scherzer's less than stellar outing could have made for a tough night for the Nats' bullpen, but Taylor Jordan put together a solid relief appearance to spare the rest of the relievers.

"Taylor is fully ready to pitch and we had an opportunity to take him long tonight," Nationals' manager Matt Williams told reporters after the 5-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

"Had to get him long. Pitched well, he threw the ball where he wanted to, he was in command, good sinkers and good changeups."

Jordan did, however, throw 45 pitches in 3 ⅓ innings, so he was likely going to be unavailable for the next few games.

So this afternoon, the Nationals optioned Jordan back to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs and called Taylor Hill back up for another stint in the majors:

The #Nats have recalled RHP Taylor Hill from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned RHP Taylor Jordan to Syracuse.

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 8, 2015

The Nationals also announced a trade this afternoon, writing on Twitter that they acquired the Boston Red Sox' no.66 International signing bonus slot in exchange for minor league right-hander Ramses Rosario:

The #Nats have acquired the #RedSox No. 66 (2015-2016) International Signing Bonus Slot in exchange for RHP Ramses Rosario (DSL).

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 8, 2015

According to Baseball America, the value of the 66th slot is $327,700. Rosario, 19, has put up a 4.11 ERA, 27 walks and 50 Ks in in 72 ⅓ IP for the Nationals' Dominican Summer League affiliate.

Here's the Nationals' lineup for tonight's series finale with the Reds:

#Nats v #Reds: Taylor CF, Espinosa 3B, Harper RF, Robinson 1B, Lobaton C, Desmond SS, Uggla 2B, den Dekker LF, Gio P pic.twitter.com/GJnDeVCeBz

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 8, 2015