The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin from Triple-A Rochester, returned from rehab and reinstated infielder Ildemaro Vargas from the Injured List, and optioned infielder Jeter Downs to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. The Nationals optioned right-handed pitcher Cory Abbott on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
Irvin, 26, is scheduled to start and make his Major League debut tonight against the Chicago Cubs. He joins the Nationals after beginning the season with Triple-A Rochester. In his last start on April 26 against St. Paul (MIN), Irvin struck out six in 5.1 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and three walks. In five starts for the Red Wings in 2023, Irvin is 2–2 with a 5.64 ERA (14 ER/22.1 IP), working at least 5.0 innings in four of his last five outings since April 8.
Irvin was added to Washington’s 40-man roster following the 2022 season and has the “Best Control” in Washington’s system, per Baseball America. With his start today, he will become the 25th pitcher drafted/signed and developed by the Washington Nationals to start a game for Washington (2005-pres.).
