Zach

Brzykcy

Brzycky will open the regular season on the shelf, but should be an option for Washington’s relief mix by the end of April, barring an unexpected setback.

Brzykcy was sent down to make room for Friday’s starter Trevor Williams on the active roster. The rookie left-hander had a 14.29 ERA in six appearances for Washington.

Brzykcy will have a chance to make his MLB debut after being added to the expanded roster Sunday. The 25-year-old was protected from the Rule 5 draft after a breakout 2023 season, and has a chance to someday be a high-leverage reliever if he can keep the walks in check.

The 24-year-old hurler was added to the team’s 40-man roster over the winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft after compiling a stellar 1.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 95/29 K/BB ratio over 61 1/3 innings in 51 appearances across three minor league levels. He’ll begin the season at Triple-A Rochester, but it shouldn’t be long before he earns an opportunity with the Nationals.

Brzykcy will be protected from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft after posting a pristine 1.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 95/29 K/BB across 61 1/3 innings (51 appearances) this past season across three minor league levels. The 24-year-old righty finished the year at Triple-A Rochester and could factor into Washington’s bullpen mix at some point.

Hill was in camp this spring as a non-roster invitee on a minor league contract and is likely to miss a few weeks due to a right hamstring strain that he suffered last weekend. All three pitchers -- Tetreault, Castro and Brzykcy -- are also dealing with injuries this spring and will open the year rehabbing in the minors.

Nationals manager Davy Martinez said he felt it during a recent live batting practice session and had an MRI. Martinez also said the strain is strictly in the forearm and not the elbow. Brzykcy posted a 1.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 39/10 K/BB ratio across 51 appearances last year.