Matt

Chico

After a couple of failed attempts, Chico, a 2003 third-round pick, has seemingly mastered Double-A this year, going 7-2 with a 2.22 ERA, 62 H and 63/21 K/BB in 81 IP for Tennessee. If everything breaks right, he could make it as a starter in the major leagues. Still, it seems more likely that he’ll develop into a setup man. He’d have to improve his curveball and his change to survive as a starter.

Chico was moved to the bullpen in the minors this past season, posting a 5.87 ERA an 38/14 K/BB ratio over 46 innings between three levels in the Nationals’ system. The 28-year-old left-hander has appeared in just one major-league game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2008. He’s a longshot to make the Opening Day roster.

If true, it would be Chico’s first start since May of 2008. The southpaw underwent Tommy John surgery in July of 2008 and made 15 starts between Class A Hagerstown and Double-A Harrisburg in ’09. He is currently 1-2 with 3.12 ERA with Harrisburg to begin this season. J.D. Martin, who is 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA over four starts with Triple-A Syracuse, is another possibility for the assignment.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman still hasn’t announced an official starter for Saturday, but said the Nationals would let the Marlins know who is starting on Saturday “out of common courtesy.” This jives with a report by Bill Ladson of MLB.com earlier in the day. John Lannan is only expected to miss one start, but it’s still a significant moment for Chico, who hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2008.

Calling up Chico may not be as exciting as if the Nationals were calling up Stephen Strasburg, but the lefty hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 21, 2008, so there’s a good story here as well. Chico will start Saturday against the Marlins after going 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in five starts at Double-A so far this year.

Not bad for a spot-start, especially considering John Lannan hasn’t pitched anywhere near this well lately. Chico gave up six hits while fanning three and walking none. He also threw a wild pitch and hit a batter, but these are just minor critiques on an otherwise solid effort. Unfortunately for Chico, he doesn’t have a win to show for it. In fact, Chico is without a win since September 29, 2007.

Chico spent about 24 hours in the big leagues and pitched rather well Saturday against the Marlins. But the Nats only needed him for an emergency start to spell the injured John Lannan and are likely to call up a reliever before Sunday’s game. Chico wasn’t surprised to hear the news. Despite being designated for assignment, the Nationals say Chico will be back on the 40-man roster soon.

Chico was designated for assignment a few days ago, but is already back with the organization and will try to rally his way to the big leagues via Triple-A Syracuse. The 26-year-old left-hander had a 1-2 record, 3.12 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in five starts at Double-A Harrisburg this season.

As expected, Chico was designated for assignment after his spot-start against the Marlins on Saturday. The 26-year-old left-hander impressed in the start and would be among the first to get the call if the Nats need an injury fill-in.

“We’ll make the decision that we think gives us the best chance to win,” said Rizzo. Chico gave up two runs over five innings against the Marlins in a spot-start for John Lannan earlier this month. Stephen Strasburg was believed to be a possibility in some circles, but he’ll start for Triple-A Syrcause that day. It’s looking more and more like he’ll debut at home against the Reds on June 4.