Washington Nationals Spring Training 2017: Nats make first round of cuts...

As noted on Twitter, by MASN’s Pete Kerzel, the Washington Nationals’ first round of cuts this Spring were made this morning with the intention of getting some minor leaguers, “more reps, ABs,” with, “innings no longer available in Major League camp.”

The Nationals announced that five pitchers: Michael Broadway, Tim Collins, Derek Eitel, Kyle McGowin and Wander Suero were reassigned to minor league camp this morning.

Broadway, 29, signed as a free agent in early December after three seasons in the San Francisco Giants’ organization (and some time in Japan).

In three appearances and 2 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched this spring, the right-hander gave up three hits, two walks and two runs.

Tim Collins, 27, who was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery twice in 2015/16, signed with the Nationals in mid-December.

Collins hasn’t pitched in competitive action since 2014 and did not pitch in Grapefruit League action this Spring as he’s continuing to recover from TJS.

Eitel, 29, gave up three hits, four walks and two earned runs in 3 ¹⁄₃ innings before he was reassigned this morning.

McGowin, 25, pitched at Double and Triple-A in the LA Angels’ organization in 2016, before he was included in the trade that sent Danny Espinosa to Los Angeles.

He posted a 4.56 ERA, a 3.88 FIP, nine walks (3.16 BB/9) and 32 Ks (11.22 K/9) in five starts and 25 2⁄3 innings pitched at Double-A and a 6.11 ERA, 5.09 FIP, 46 walks (3.56 BB/9) and 98 Ks (7.58 K/9) in 22 starts and 116 1⁄3 innings at Triple-A last season.

McGowin gave up a walk and four hits in two games (one a start) and three scoreless innings this Spring.

Suero, 25, pitched at Double-A Harrisburg in 2016, going (3-0) with four saves, a 2.44 ERA, 3.79 FIP, 21 walks (3.42 BB/9) and 48 Ks (7.81 K/9) in 39 games and 55 ¹⁄₃ IP.

In two appearances this Spring, the right-hander tossed two scoreless frames, striking out two.