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Washington Nationals Demote Pitcher as Clayton Beeter Nears Return
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- Washington Nationals Demote Pitcher as Clayton Beeter Nears Return
The Washington Nationals will have a chance to get back over .500 on Thursday afternoon after taking down the New York Mets , 8-4, on Wednesday night behind another strong showing from the offense. Yet the Nationals will do so with another expected pitching change after the team announced one move late on Wednesday night.
The Nationals have announced that PJ Poulin has been optioned back to Triple A Rochester. Poulin, 29, has pitched in 23 games this season and started as the opener in five games where he's recorded a 2.91 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, tossing 16 strikeouts and 14 walks in 21.2 innings pitched.
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This becomes the latest roster move to materialize this week after the front office announced that both Andres Chaparro and Dylan Crews have been recalled with Brady House and Joey Wiemer optioned down to Triple A Rochester.
Poulin last appeared in Monday's loss while he closed the month of May without allowing an earned run across 6.1 innings, yet his move is made for good reason with one healthy arm expected to return to the Nationals bullpen.
Though the team has yet to officially announce the move, Poulin's move back down to the minors is expected to pave the way for Clayton Beeter to return to the active roster.
Beeter has been on the injured list since April 26 due to right forearm soreness, a move that was retroactive to April 23.
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Prior to injury, Beeter notched a pair of saves to tie the team lead - and match his career high - at the time while recording a 3.48 ERA over ten appearances. Once activated, Beeter will be available to step back into the closing role where he's been among the group of players filling the role in 2026. In Beeter's absence, the Nationals turned to Poulin and Gus Varland in relief after the team battled through multiple injuries over the last month.
The Nationals are set to close out the seven game home stand in the four game series finale against the Mets on Thursday as Cade Cavalli is expected to take the mound. First pitch is set for 4:05 PM.
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