Amos

Willingham

Willingham was sent down to make room for Jose A. Ferrer in the Washington bullpen. He made just one appearance and allowed two runs. Last year, Willingham had a 6.66 ERA in 18 games for the Nationals. It’s possible he could return soon if the Nationals unload another bullpen arm before the trade deadline.

Willingham is back in the majors after Hunter Harvey was traded to the Royals on Saturday night. The 25-year-old posted an ominous 6.66 ERA in 18 relief appearances with the Nats last season and will look for better luck with the big club this year.

The Nationals will have to restructure their late inning mix after dealing Hunter Harvey to the Royals on Saturday and it sounds like Willingham will at least get an opportunity to stick this time around. Expect either Dylan Floro or Derek Law to emerge as the primary setup man for closer Kyle Finnegan.

The 25-year-old hurler was with the Nationals for their entire weekend set against the Athletics, but did not appear in a game. His demotion clears a spot on the active roster for Mitchell Parker, who will make his big league debut against the Dodgers on Monday night.

Willingham will join the Nationals this weekend as bullpen relief for their three-game series with the Athletics. The 25-year-old hasn’t had much success at the major league level posting a 6.66 ERA, 1.81 WHIP across 24 1/3 innings.

Willingham has struggled during his time in the majors, posting a 6.66 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, and 15/9 K/BB ratio across 18 appearances. Cory Abbott will take his place in the Nationals bullpen.

Willingham was checked on by the trainer going into the eighth, but the Nationals opted to leave him in even though he was dealing with some blood and seemingly part of the fingernail being displaced. Dave Martinez didn’t want to turn to anyone else in the bullpen after already having used five relievers to get eight outs.

Willingham has made 13 appearances for the Nationals this season, giving up 14 runs and six homers in 14 innings. His Triple-A numbers are nice, though, and he has a chance to turn into a useful reliever in time.

Willingham will be available in relief for both games of Tuesday’s twin bill before heading back to Triple-A Rochester. The 24-year-old rookie right-hander has made 12 relief appearances this season in his first exposure to the big leagues.

The Nationals needed to free a spot on the active roster, and Willingham drew the short straw on Sunday. The 24-year-old has been used sparingly during his time in the majors and will serve as organizational depth of the rebuilding Nationals.