The Nationals reinstated righty Trevor Williams from the 60-day injured list prior to this afternoon’s game, per a team announcement. Washington already had an open spot for Williams on the 40-man roster. Righty Gus Varland was optioned to Triple-A to clear an active roster spot.
Williams, 34, has been with the Nats since signing a two-year deal in the 2022-23 offseason. He posted an ERA north of 5.00 as an innings eater while making 30 starts in 2023, erupted with a 2.03 ERA in 13 starts during an injury shortened 2024 season and re-signed on a two-year, $14MM deal the following winter. The second contract with the Nats hasn’t gone well. Williams posted a 6.21 ERA in 17 starts last year before an elbow injury sent him not only to the injured list but the operating room; the veteran righty underwent an internal brace procedure just over one year ago to the day.
Williams has made six rehab appearances across five minor league levels this summer. He was dinged for 11 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings but fanned nearly one quarter of his opponents while issuing walks at only a 5.4% clip. Williams’ fastball sat just 88.1 mph in his two Triple-A appearances — up from last year’s 87.7 mph but down nearly two miles per hour over his 2023 average.
Washington doesn’t have an immediate rotation spot for Williams. He’ll head to the ‘pen in a swing role for the time being. Deadline trades of Foster Griffin, Zack Littell and/or Miles Mikolas — all on one-year deals — could potentially open up some innings, though the Nats will also look to incorporate newly acquired Connolly Early into the starting five once he’s finished up his rehab stint. There’s no guarantee that the Nationals will trade any of those short-term veterans, given their surprisingly competitive season.
Whatever route they choose, Williams can provide some bullpen length and/or rotation depth down the stretch. As an impending free agent, it’s at least possible he could be spun off to another club as well, though last year’s struggles, this year’s injury, his contract and that 88 mph average heater make that scenario feel rather unlikely.
