Amos

Willingham

Willingham was granted his release from the Astros in early May after posting a 3.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 9/11 K/BB ratio over 13 1/3 innings at Triple-A Sugar Land. He’ll add organizational bullpen depth for the Marlins.

Willingham was in Astros camp as a non-roster invitee this spring before spending a couple weeks at Triple-A Sugar Land. The 27-year-old posted an uninspiring 7.11 ERA across 25 1/3 innings over 19 appearances for the Nationals from 2023-2024.

No real surprises among this duo, as both would have needed exceptionally strong springs to push for inclusion in the club’s Opening Day bullpen. Willingham was lit up during Grapefruit League play, posting a 10.50 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and a 10/4 K/BB ratio across six innings.

Willingham, the first Amos to play in the majors since Otis retired in 1984, put up nice minor league numbers as a Nationals relief prospect, but he had a 7.11 ERA and just 16 strikeouts over 25 1/3 innings during his major league stints in 2023 and ’24. He pitched last season in the Braves farm system, finishing with a 5.17 ERA and a 64/18 K/BB in 55 2/3 innings. He’ll likely spend most of next year in Triple-A.

Willingham is hurt at Triple-A, so the Braves couldn’t place him on waivers. Hence, he’s simply released from the 40-man here. The 26-year-old longtime Nationals prospect, who was claimed on waivers back in January, allowed three runs — one earned — in 4 2/3 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett before going on the IL. He has a 7.11 ERA in 25 1/3 career major league innings.

Willingham was a long shot to make Atlanta’s season-opening bullpen after being claimed off waivers last month from the rebuilding Nationals. The 26-year-old righty made 19 appearances over the last two years for Washington, finishing with an underwhelming 7.11 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and 16/9 K/BB ratio across 25 1/3 innings of work.

Willingham was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Saturday, and now he’ll provide some depth for the Atlanta pitching staff for the 2025 campaign. Allan Winans was designated for assignment to make room.

Willingham had a 6.66 ERA in 18 appearances with the Nationals in 2024 before being sent back down in July. The right-hander now hits the waiver wire after the Nationals signed Jorge López to a one-year deal.

Willingham was sent down to make room for Jose A. Ferrer in the Washington bullpen. He made just one appearance and allowed two runs. Last year, Willingham had a 6.66 ERA in 18 games for the Nationals. It’s possible he could return soon if the Nationals unload another bullpen arm before the trade deadline.

Willingham is back in the majors after Hunter Harvey was traded to the Royals on Saturday night. The 25-year-old posted an ominous 6.66 ERA in 18 relief appearances with the Nats last season and will look for better luck with the big club this year.