Austen

Williams

The right-hander missed the majority of the 2020 season while dealing with a sprained AC joint and ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery in early August. He’s expected to miss the entire 2021 season while rehabbing.

Williams was has been on the injured list all year with a sprained AC joint. The right-hander could have been an option in the Nationals’ bullpen this year if healthy, but instead will likely not be able to pitch for Washington until 2022.

This move clears a 40-man roster spot for Aaron Barrett, who is back in the big leagues for the first time since 2015. Williams has been out all season with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

It’s unclear at this point how much time Williams might miss. Austin Adams is taking his spot in the Nats’ bullpen.

Williams will join the Nationals’ bullpen ahead of Saturday’s matinee game against the Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander posted an ugly 5.59 ERA and 8/6 K/BB ratio over his first 9 2/3 major league innings last season and he had also been struggling this season at Fresno, but he did have a very good showing in the Grapefruit League this spring.

The Nationals are putting the finishing touches on their bullpen to begin the year. Williams, 26, had a great spring and should see time with the big club again in 2019.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 25-year-old hurler. A sixth round pick of the Nationals from the 2014 draft, Williams has posted a scintillating 1.19 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 89/17 K/BB ratio over 68 innings between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse. The Nationals may just have themselves a viable bullpen arm here.