Richard

Bleier

Bleier signed a minor-league pact with the Nationals, and the 37-year-old was able to opt out of the contract by May 15 if he wasn’t promoted to the major-league roster. He posted a 4.32 ERA over 15 appearances with Triple-A Rochester, and he’s now free to sign with another team, but another minor-league contract is all but assured.

The trio of Wood, Crews and Hasell are the headliners here with House not too far behind as part of Washington’s likely future nucleus at the highest level. It’s notable that Trey Lipscomb is still in big-league camp with spring training winding down.

The veteran struggled in 30 2/3 innings for Boston in 2023 before being DFA’d in August, but he has a career 3.27 ERA in 335 major-league appearances over eight seasons. The Nationals already have a few other lefties competing for bullpen spots, so Bleier will join that competition.

After being designated for assignment by the Red Sox last Monday, Bleier signed with the Cubs on a minor league deal. The veteran left-hander has a 3.27 career ERA in 335 major-league appearances but had just a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings for Boston this year. The Cubs will obviously be hoping he can find his career-norm levels in Triple-A Iowa before giving him a shot at big league innings.

It’s a shame the Red Sox let Bleier go just as they were finally getting Trevor Story back and giving themselves a competent infield, but his stuff has been down and even with better play behind him, he probably wouldn’t have been particularly good. He had a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings before being DFA’d on Monday.

Bleier has been shown the door after posting an inflated 5.28 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 16/5 K/BB ratio across 30 2/3 innings (27 appearances) this season in his Red Sox debut. He was slated to hit free agency at the end of the season, so there’s a chance he’ll wind up getting claimed off waivers in the coming days.

He’ll be active and in uniform for Monday night’s battle against the Athletics in Oakland. Jake Faria was designated for assignment in a corresponding move on Monday.

Bleier remains without a timetable to return after landing on the injured list last month with left shoulder inflammation. Given how long it’ll take to build him back up completely, he’s unlikely to return until after next month’s All-Star break.

It’s not yet clear when Bleier sustained the injury -- or how long the left-hander will be sidelined. The 35-year-old hurler has posted a 5.85 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 20 innings out of the club’s bullpen this season. Brennan Bernardino was summoned from Triple-A Worcester to take Bleier’s place in the Red Sox’ bullpen on Monday.

Bleier has been a reliable workhorse the last two seasons with the Marlins, compiling a serviceable 3.23 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 76/16 K/BB ratio across 108 2/3 innings (123 appearances). The 35-year-old southpaw gives the Red Sox another left-handed option in their bullpen and figures to pitch in middle relief situations. He’ll make $3.5 million this season and also has a $3.75 million club option for 2024.