Santiago

Ramirez

The Nationals hope to have him available this weekend.

The Nationals said the other day that Ramirez was day-to-day and could be available this weekend. He’ll now miss at least two weeks.

Ramirez, who was just called up last week, could be DL bound.

Ramirez’s stay could be short, although we’d like to see him outlast Saul Rivera in the bullpen. The 27-year-old had a 0.99 ERA in 27 1/3 innings of relief for New Orleans. He could be an asset in the middle innings.

Ramirez had been on the disabled list since June 3 with a strained elbow.

Ramirez, a member of Houston’s 40-man roster before clearing waivers in the spring, remains an intriguing relief prospect. He has control issues, but he did have a 2.63 ERA and 32 saves for Double-A Round Rock last season. Giron is also a candidate to see time in the Kansas City bullpen, though little should be expected. The 28-year-old Embry pitched in the Northern League last season.

Ramirez has a chance to be a quality setup man for the Royals next season. Some teams are going to regret not grabbing him in the Rule 5 draft.

He’s given up eight hits, walked three and struck out 15. It’s going to be interesting to see if some team opts to take him away from the Royals in the Rule 5 draft. Kansas City signed him to a minor league deal earlier this month.

We still think Ramirez will help the Royals, but his poor first week of spring training ruined his longshot bid for a bullpen spot. Huisman and Jensen could also see time as relievers later on.

Ramirez gave up five runs in one inning during his two appearances this spring.