Andry

Lara

Lara heads back to the minor leagues to make room for former top pitching prospect Cade Cavalli to come up and take the ball on Wednesday against the Athletics. It’ll be his first big-league start since August 26, 2022.

Lara looked sharp in his lone relief appearance earlier this season and figures to get a more extended look for the rebuilding Nationals during the second half. He’ll be available out of the bullpen for Sunday’s first-half finale against the Brewers.

Lara was also used as the 27th man during a doubleheader back in April, but did not get into a game. If he gets into a game today, it will be his MLB debut.

Lara is one of the few healthy arms on Washington’s 40-man roster so he’ll head out to Coors Field as a break glass in case of emergency long reliever. The 22-year-old will be making his big-league debut if he gets into a game. He’ll return to Triple-A Rochester at the conclusion of the twin bill.

A second-round pick from the 2020 MLB Draft, Henry has yet to reach the big leagues. The 25-year-old missed most of last year with a shoulder injury.

Both players are now not eligible for the Rule 5 Draft in December. Hassell was one of the top prospects acquired from the Padres in the deal for Juan Soto, but hasn’t lived up to expectations just yet. Lara is one of the better pitching prospects in the Washington system, and both certainly would have had interest in the draft next month.