Andry

Lara

Lara will stick with the Nationals, which is probably best for his chances of seeing significant time in the majors this season. The 23-year-old was DFA’d last week after a season in which he finished with a 7.55 ERA in the minors and an 8.79 ERA in 14 1/3 innings as a reliever in the majors.

Rushed to the majors because of his team’s misfortunes, Lara debuted as a 22-year-old for the Nationals last season, posting an 8.79 ERA in 14 1/3 innings out of the pen. He didn’t show much upside as a minor league starter, in part because of his lack of velocity, but he might be interesting as a reliever. We imagine he’ll be claimed, even if it’s just by a team (hey, Orioles) that will DFA him again a couple of days later.

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.