The Washington Nationals announced that veteran right-hander Trevor Williams is set to start on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, according to MASN’s Mark Zuckerman. This will be Williams’ first mound appearance for the Nationals since May 30. Since then, he has been on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his elbow. Washington also plans to go with a six-man rotation for the rest of the season if everyone stays healthy.
Trevor Williams is set to start Friday in Chicago. If everyone else stays healthy, Nats will go with 6-man rotation for the final two turns.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 18, 2024
Nationals Pitcher Trevor Williams is Set for First Mound Appearance Since May
The 32-year-old Williams was having an impressive season for the Nats. He had a record of 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA and a 1.076 WHIP before his injury. The right-hander made some solid progress in his rehab assignment for Double-A Harrisburg, and he is now set to make two more starts. According to Zuckerman, these stints will give him a chance to show that he is healthy heading into free agency. He might not be part of the Nationals’ long-term plans, but two solid performances to close out the year could increase his value.
One factor influencing whether or not Williams will re-sign with Washington is Patrick Corbin leaving. Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million deal back in 2019. However, he has not lived up to expectations past the 2019 World Series year. The Nationals could also sign another experienced veteran if they choose not to extend Williams. A few notable free agent starters after this season include former Nat Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole (if he opts out of his current deal), and Blake Snell (the same goes for him). Washington general manager Mike Rizzo is sure to look at options over the offseason.
Nationals Using A Six-Man Rotation: What That Means
The Nationals will be using a six-man rotation for the final two turns in 2024. This gives the young starters some extra rest at the end of a long season without having to shut them down. After all, these young guys have spent a lot of time on the mound for Washington this season. MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, and DJ Herz all exceeded their previous season-highs in innings pitched. The four young starters all managed to stay healthy too.
The veteran Irvin has pitched the most innings out of any Nats pitcher this season at 179 1/3 frames, while Gore has pitched a strong 153 1/3 innings. Rookies Parker and Gore also made some solid progress as they stepped in for the previously injured Josiah Gray and Williams, respectively. Parker has appeared in 28 games and pitched a total of 146 innings. Meanwhile, Herz made his MLB debut in early June and pitched 80 1/3 innings.
The Nationals’ six-man rotation is comprised of Williams, Gore, Irvin, Parker, Herz, and Corbin. Each pitcher will make one final start next week at home, with Irvin starting the Sept. 28 season finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
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