Schultz ready to make impact in Nats' bullpen
This browser does not support the video element.
WASHINGTON -- After a Spring Training setback, righty reliever Paxton Schultz is back with the Nationals and ready to “do whatever the team needs.”
Washington returned Schultz (right elbow inflammation) from his rehab assignment Tuesday and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list prior to their second game of a three-game set against the Cardinals.
The Nationals claimed Schultz off waivers from Toronto on Jan. 9. He made 13 appearances (two starts) for the Blue Jays in his rookie season in 2025, posting a 4.38 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.
“I set off to have a big goal to make the Opening Day roster, that was the first thing I wanted to do once coming over here with the Nationals,” the 28-year-old said. “But I don’t know, I’m a big believer everything happens for a reason. And I’m glad it was nothing serious and just a minor thing that came up. And once that [was clear, the] mindset shifted to just making sure I’m all the way healthy and making sure I can help the team the best that I can.”
In a corresponding move, the Nats optioned righty Andre Granillo to Triple-A Rochester.
Schultz comes to Washington after allowing one earned run in 3 2/3 innings in three rehab outings with Rochester. He had also thrown some Minor League spring games after he was shut down for about six days.
“I was able to get a few innings before the injury happened, then shut down a little bit, and then I threw a few kind of back-field games in Florida that probably won’t go on the record,” he said. “But I got it built up a little bit, met the [Triple-A] team in Jacksonville, threw there and then threw a couple times in Rochester. So I feel like the workload is in a good place and I’ll be ready to go tonight.”
This browser does not support the video element.
Schultz joins a bullpen that could use some reinforcements after struggling to a 6.34 ERA (27th in the Major Leagues) in its first 10 games.
“We are under the sense that he is full-go,” Nats manager Blake Butera said. “That’s why he’s here. We wouldn’t have brought him here if he wasn’t.”
In his first big league season, Schultz went at least two innings six times, and he suspects his role in Washington could be similar.
“Especially in the beginning, maybe not super long,” he said. “But in the past I’ve been able to go long relief, I’ve had some starts. I’ve let them know on my end I’m able to do whatever the team needs me to help win.”