Nationals recall A.J. Cole, option Brian Goodwin to Triple-A

Asked after he was forced to rely on his beleaguered bullpen for a third straight game in the series finale in Denver, Colorado’s Coors Field, if he thought he’d have to add an arm to the mix, Dusty Baker told reporters he’d have to get back to them.

“We’ll let you know tomorrow,” Baker said.

This afternoon, the Nationals announced that they were calling 24-year-old right-hander A.J. Cole up, presumably to help out of the bullpen.

Cole, a 2010 4th Round pick, debuted in the majors in Turner Field against the Atlanta Braves last season, giving up nine hits and nine runs (four earned) in just two innings in his one start in the majors.

He returned to work out of the bullpen late in the season.

In 22 starts and 124 ⅔ at Triple-A Syracuse in 2016, Cole is (8-8) with a 4.26 ERA, a 3.91 FIP, 35 walks (2.53 BB/9) and 109 Ks (7.87 K/9).

In order to make room on the roster for Cole’s addition, the Nationals optioned outfielder Brian Goodwin back to their top minor league affiliate.

Goodwin, 25, went 2 for 3 in Wednesday’s series finale with the Rockies, leaving him 4 for 16 (.250/.294/.250) in 17 plate appearances.

In 109 games and 451 PAs at Triple-A this season, Goodwin put up a .284/.350/.434 line with 25 doubles and 11 home runs.