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Nationals re-sign LHP to one-year contract after placing PJ Poulin on IL
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- Nationals re-sign LHP to one-year contract after placing PJ Poulin on IL
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The Washington Nationals made multiple bullpen-related roster moves Sunday ahead of their series finale against the Athletic, re-signing left-handed pitcher Matt Krook to a one-year major league contract while placing left-hander PJ Poulin on the 15-day injured list with a left flexor strain.
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To make room for Krook on the active roster, Washington moved Poulin to the injured list retroactive to July 16. The team also transferred left-hander Richard Lovelady to the 60-day IL because of a left triceps strain, opening a spot on the 40-man roster for Krook.
Krook returns to the Nationals shortly after leaving the organization. Washington designated him for assignment on July 12, and after clearing waivers, he was assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester. Instead of accepting the assignment, Krook elected free agency before ultimately agreeing to return to the Nationals. He now rejoins the bullpen as another left-handed option.
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The 31-year-old Krook has made 16 career MLB appearances and has recorded 14 2/3 innings at the major league level since making his debut in 2023. Originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Krook has played for seven organizations, with Washington becoming his latest stop.
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Krook has spent much of his career at the Triple-A level. He first reached Triple-A in 2021 with the New York Yankees and has thrown at least 29 innings at that level every season from 2021 through 2026. During that period, he logged an ERA above 4.00 only once, recording a 4.09 ERA over 138 2/3 innings in 2022. He has worked exclusively as a reliever since 2023.
Poulin heads to the injured list during a season where his results have produced mixed numbers. He owns a 2.70 ERA across 36 2/3 innings, improving from his 3.65 ERA last season. However, his strikeout and walk rates have been below average, and his .225 opponent batting average on balls in play has contributed to a 5.37 expected ERA.
Lovelady, who was acquired by the Nationals in a cash trade with the New York Mets in April, has pitched 23 innings with a 3.91 ERA this season. He had already been on the 15-day IL since June 29 because of his triceps injury and will now remain on the shelve until at least late August.
Related: What Nationals' Andres Chaparro said about massive 8 RBI game in drubbing vs. Athletics
Related: MLB rumors: The Nationals breakout player 'gaining traction' in trade talks
