Nationals pick up Will Dion in deal with Guardians

Intending to work behind an opener, Cornelio had to come on and relieve Jared Simpson in the first inning after he walked four of the first six batters he faced with one single between them. That immediately forced Cornelio into a pressure-packed situation with the bases loaded, one out, and two runs home already. He got out of that jam though and was able to keep the Phillies off the board for a few more frames. Will Dion came on after him and struck out two also without allowing a run in 2 2/3 innings. The Nationals continue to deploy these two in bulk outings and each are likely to get one or two more before the season’s over, the next probably coming against the Tigers on the road next week.

Dion allowed two hits, walked one and struck out one. He threw 37 pitches in what was his first start of the season. Dion had thrown at least 40 pitches in four of his last five outings entering play Monday. A reliever by trade, Dion can throw multiple innings but isn’t stretched out for a typical starter’s workload just yet. He’ll take a 3.38 ERA into his next start against the Dodgers on the road on Sunday.

Coming in for a bulk outing after Matt Waldron fired two scoreless innings, the wheels fell off for Dion in his third inning of work. After tossing two scoreless frames out of the pen with eight swings-and-misses along the way, both Troy Johnston and Cole Carrigg hit two-run homers in the fifth. Johnston’s came off a front-door sinker that the left Dion was bold for trying and missed his spot badly. Carrigg’s was off a fastball at the letters that didn’t even crack 90 mph. At that point, manager Blake Butera had seen enough and pulled Dion. He has good stuff, but will need to sustain a bit more velocity to be effective in a multi-inning role. Luis Perales came in for some bulk work after as well and showed elite stuff – 101 mph fastball, 11 whiffs – but let up four runs in two innings with three walks. It seems like the Nationals are going to deploy their pitchers in unorthodox ways during the final month of the season.

The left-hander struck out one batter in the contest and didn’t allow a base on balls. Dion took over for Brad Lord in the third inning and pitched the Nationals nearly into the sixth, allowing just a double to JJ Bleday and nothing more. He now sports a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 26/4 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings on the season.

The Guardians needed to free up a spot in their bullpen for the arrival of Craig Yoho on Sunday and unfortunately for Dion he was the odd man out this time. The 26-year-old southpaw has made 12 appearances with the Guardians this season, posting a 4.58 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and a stellar 25/3 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 innings. He should get another opportunity with the big league club before the summer is through.

Dion returns to Cleveland’s bullpen equation with veteran Shawn Armstrong hitting the shelf with a calf strain. The 26-year-old rookie lefty made three appearances for the Guardians earlier this year. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots.

He pitched in just three games since being recalled, giving up two earned runs and one homer in 4 1/3 innings. His heart will go on in Columbus.

Dion rejoins the Guardians bullpen with Codi Heuer getting optioned in a corresponding move. He’ll be an option against left-handed lineups while a part of the Cleveland staff.

With Erik Sabrowski returning from the injured list, there was no room in the Guardians’ bullpen for an additional left-hander. Dion made six appearances during his time with the big league club, posting a 5.56 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and a 13/3 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings of work.

Dion was 3-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 15 appearances over 26 innings with Columbus, striking out 36 and walking just five. He’ll give the pen a fresh arm in his major league debut during his age-26 season.