In a Corresponding Move, the Team Designated Veteran Right-handed Reliever Trevor Williams for Assignment

The Washington Nationals activated right-handed pitcher Matt Waldron on Saturday after claiming him off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, the team designated veteran right-handed reliever Trevor Williams for assignment. Waldron, MLB's only active primary knuckleball pitcher, began the season with the San Diego Padres, making 10 appearances.

His first three outings were starts, but he posted a 9.88 ERA over 13.2 innings in those games, prompting a move to the bullpen. He struggled there too, recording a 6.52 ERA in three relief appearances before landing on the injured list. He returned in June and delivered four solid long-relief outings, posting a 3.86 ERA through 9.1 innings, but the Padres designated him for assignment at the end of July.

The Blue Jays then took a chance on the fourth-year veteran, using him four times out of the bullpen, but they also designated him for assignment after he allowed five earned runs in 4.1 innings. On the season, Waldron has a 7.54 ERA across 14 appearances, striking out 31 batters in 37 innings pitched. The Nationals had a solid first half, sitting just one game under.500 at the All-Star break, but have since fallen to nine games under and sit 9.5 games out of a postseason spot.

While most of Waldron's MLB appearances have come as a starter, his most likely role with the Nationals is in relief, serving as a multi-inning swingman rather than a one-inning option. The Nationals' pitching staff has underperformed this season, posting a 4.69 ERA, the fourth-worst in MLB, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies, the Athletics, and the Kansas City Royals. Waldron will look to help improve the Nationals' 4.80 ERA and get the team back on track after their rough stretch.