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In discussing the return the Washington Nationals received from the LA Angels for Danny Espinosa this winter, Nats’ GM Mike Rizzo told reporters that righties Austin Adams and Kyle McGowin improved the depth in the organization following the trade that sent prospects Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning to the Chicago White Sox for Adam Eaton.
“We reacquire some depth in the minor leagues,” Rizzo explained, “pitchers that can conceivably help us some time in 2017 and in the future.”
Adams, 25, spent the majority of the 2016 campaign at Double-A in the Angels’ system, posting a 3.05 ERA, a 2.82 FIP, 24 walks (5.23 BB/9) and 61 Ks (13.28 K/9) in 32 games and 41 1⁄3 innings pitched.
McGowin, 25, split his 2016 season between Double and Triple-A in LA’s organization, posting 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 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 for the Angels’ top minor league affiliate.
McGowin gets the start for the Nationals this afternoon in a “road” game against the Houston Astros in The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the shared Spring Training home built for both teams this winter.
One of the benefits of playing some of your “road” games at home is that you can play your regulars without forcing them to drive around Florida, and Dusty Baker is sending out a number of expected everyday players against the Astros.
Here’s the Nationals’ lineup for this afternoon’s game:
#Nats vs #Astros at 1:05 PM EST: Turner SS, Eaton CF, Murphy 2B, Harper RF, Rendon 3B, Werth DH, Soto 1B, Lobaton C, Robinson LF, McGowin P
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) March 2, 2017
NOTE: Today’s game is available on MLB.tv via the Astros’ broadcast team for those of you hoping to follow along at 1:05 PM EST.