Evan

Lee

The Nationals first round of cuts from spring training includes several depth relievers, and a useful utility infielder in Lucius Fox, but no major surprises.

Lee wound up missing the majority of last season due to a left flexor strain and has been removed from the Nationals’ 40-man roster heading into the offseason.

Lee has been sidelined since mid-June due to a left flexor strain. There isn’t a definitive timeline for his return to the rebuilding Nationals’ bullpen, but it’s a positive sign that he’s ready to begin facing minor league hitters again.

The procedural move opens up a spot on the Nationals’ 40-man roster after a flurry of trade deadline moves. The southpaw has been out since mid-June due to left flexor strain.

Lee exited a relief appearance on Friday with what was believed to be a potential left shoulder issue, but has since been diagnosed with a forearm issue. It’s unclear how much time he’ll wind up missing at this point.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Lee is “going to be fine” after being sent for precautionary X-rays after uncorking a couple wild pitches on Friday against the Phillies. It doesn’t sound like he’s going to wind up missing any time.

The 24-year-old southpaw has made three appearances with the Nationals so far, compiling a 4.70 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 6/3 K/BB ratio over 7 2/3 innings of work. He only threw 41 pitches in his most recent outing on Sunday, so it’s unlikely that he’s going to work very deep into Friday’s game. He is not a recommended streaming option against the Phillies.

Lee retired the first two batters in each of the first three innings but ran into a little trouble after that in two of those frames. He managed to hold the Mets scoreless until the fourth, though, when two runs scored on a Tomas Nido single (one via an error). Lee is likely headed back to the minors.

Lee is all set to make his major league debut in a spot start Wednesday afternoon against the NL East-leading Mets. The 24-year-old southpaw was sporting a respectable 3.60 ERA and 37/15 K/BB ratio through 30 innings (seven starts) this season at the Double-A level but makes for a risky fantasy streamer.

Lee is already on the Nationals’ 40-man roster. He’ll get the call to face the division-rival Mets in his major league debut. The 24-year-old left-hander has recorded a serviceable 3.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 37/15 K/BB ratio across 30 innings (seven starts) this season at Double-A Harrisburg, but there are better streaming options on Wednesday’s slate.