Mike

O'Connor

O’Connor was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday and then told Nationals’ management that he had been pitching with a sore elbow lately. Ryan Wagner has been called up to take O’Connor’s spot on the roster.

O’Connor is likely three or four weeks away from being an option for the Nationals.

His replacement wasn’t immediately announced. O’Connor had been hit hard in both of his starts since returning to the rotation following the All-Star break. The Nationals could call on Billy Traber to replace him in the rotation, but they likely wouldn’t add him to the roster today.

O’Connor was originally optioned to the minors last week, but now he’s back collectting a major league salary for at least the next two or three weeks. Surgery shouldn’t be necessary.

He struck out six and gave up just three hits, but six walks and reliever Saul Rivera allowing a pair of inherited runners to score left O’Connor without a decision. The ankle should be fine, but we wouldn’t recommend using O’Connor in the short-term versus the Phillies or in the long-term.

It’s the first time in 10 career starts that O’Connor has given up more than three runs. He’d be a very risky play against the Yankees on Sunday.

O’Connor has a nifty 3.53 ERA despite walking 29 batters in 63 innings of work. He’s been able to post quality ERAs thanks to having allowed just four homers in 11 starts. He won’t continue to be that lucky with the long ball, so he’s a sell-high candidate in NL-only formats. He’ll face the Orioles in Baltimore next time out.

It was the first win in six starts for O’Connor, even though he still hasn’t given up more than three runs any time out since being called up at the end of April. He’ll be a decent play at home against the Rockies next week, though those in weekly leagues should be aware that he’ll face the Yankees next Sunday.

O’Connor gave up three runs in five-plus innings before departing. He’s not expected to miss any additional time.

O’Connor has been rehabbing with Triple-A New Orleans for the past couple weeks.