Jeremy

Hellickson

It was originally reported on Friday that Hellickson was taking 2020 off, and while that’s still accurate, it won’t be just a hiatus. The 32-year-old pitched for five teams over 10 seasons with a 76-75 record and 4.13 ERA, but his best success came with the Rays, including his 2011 Rookie of the Year season where he registered a 2.91 ERA.

Hellickson went on the 60-day injured list on May 20 with a shoulder injury after posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.72 WHIP over 39 innings for Washington last year, and reportedly suffered a setback in his training. It’s possible the 32-year-old could join a club late, but the right-hander has struggled with injuries for most of the last two years, and hasn’t been very effective when he has been able to take the mound.

Hellickson has been on the shelf since May 20 due to a strained pitching shoulder. It’s unclear if he’ll make any starts for the Nationals down the stretch, or if he’ll be utilized in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen. The 32-year-old owns a 6.23 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 39 innings with the Nationals this season.

It will be his third since he resumed throwing following a shutdown period. If things go well Sunday, Hellickson could throw a simulated game Wednesday. He might be able to start a rehab assignment before long but would figure to need multiple rehab starts since he’s already been out two months.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster. Hellickson was shut down late last month due to shoulder soreness and it’s unclear when he could be ready to return.

The Nationals placed Hellickson on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, and while he was able to start throwing immediately after with long toss, he was having issues “bouncing back” according to Nationals manager Davey Martinez. He’ll likely be reevaluated, and we won’t have an idea as to when he’ll be able to return until he’s able to resume throwing.

McGowin will get the start in place of Jeremy Hellickson, who was placed on the injured list on Tuesday with a strained right shoulder. The right-hander owned a 4.32 ERA over eight starts for Triple-A Fresno, and even against a New York lineup that isn’t operating on all cylinders, he’s a risky streaming option. It’s also likely a one-off, as Anibal Sanchez (hamstring) is expected back shortly.

The workout happened shortly after Hellickson was placed on the injured list with what was initially labeled a right shoulder strain. It’s actually just tendinitis, and he might only be out for a turn or two in the Nationals’ rotation. Nats manager Dave Martinez noted that Kevin McGowan, who was just signed to a minor league deal, is an option to start in Hellickson’s place this Friday against the Marlins.

No word yet on the severity of the issue. Hellickson gave up three runs in three innings in his start against the Cubs on Sunday and has struggled with a 6.23 ERA overall this year. The recently-acquired Javy Guerra will take his spot on the active roster. Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post speculates that Kyle McGowin will take Hellickson’s spot in the rotation on Friday against the Marlins.

The veteran right-hander also issued three free passes on the night while striking out only one. The Cubs scored single runs against him in each of the first three innings, the last of which came on a solo blast off the bat of Anthony Rizzo. He now owns a cringe-inducing 6.23 ERA and 1.72 WHIP over 39 innings in his nine appearances (eight starts) this season, and you have to wonder if the Nationals are considering cutting bait. He’ll try to right the ship in a premium matchup against the Marlins at home on Friday.