On Saturday the Nationals released pitchers Hunter Strickland and David Hernandez. A slue of others were optioned to minor league teams.
Strickland, 31, came to the Nationals as a deadline acquisition from the Mariners but he struggled during his 24 appearances with the team. The team and Strickland avoided arbitration agreeing on a deal worth $1.6 million but after a 10.80 ERA in seven spring outings they are ready to move on. Strickland will now be able to sign with any team.
The Nationals added Hernandez, 34, on a minor league deal in January but he struggled in spring training and was not an option for the teams’ 26-man roster. Lasts year Hernandez had a 8.02 era in 27 games for the Reds and will now find himself looking for minor league options elsewhere.
Additionally the team optioned RHP Kyle McGowin, RHP Aaron Barrett, LHP Ben Braymer and INF Jake Noll to Triple-A Fresno; re-assigned INF Jacob Wilson, OF Brandon Snyder, C Taylor Gushue, OF JB Shuck, RHP Dakota Bacus, RHP Wil Crowe and RHP Bryan Bonnell to minor league camp.
