WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have been impressed by right-hander Jefry Rodriguez this season, from his handful of starts in the Majors to the way he has dominated the Minors lately. In his last start at Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, he allowed just one unearned run in six innings and struck out 11. He also pitched well in his last start in the Majors on Aug. 7 against the Braves, giving up one run in five innings.
Those performances are reasons why the Nationals promoted Rodriguez to the rotation when they called him up to start Saturday's game vs. the Marlins and bumped Tommy Milone to the bullpen. Rodriguez, the Nationals' No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will take Jeremy Hellickson's spot in the club's rotation, as Hellickson was placed on the DL, retroactive to Thursday, with a right wrist sprain.
Hellickson, 31, is 5-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 18 starts for the Nationals. This will be his second stint on the disabled list this season.
Rodriguez has posted a 0.51 ERA with 19 strikeouts and six walks in his last three starts at Syracuse. Saturday was his fifth start for the Nationals.
"He's really attacking the strike zone and able to use his changeup a lot more," manager Dave Martinez said prior to the game. "He's getting confidence with his changeup, which allows his fastball to be that much better."
Milone slides into the bullpen as a long reliever to help provide length. His four appearances this year for the Nats have been all starts, but he has posted a 5.24 ERA.
Milone had been filling in for Stephen Strasburg in the Nats rotation, but Strasburg (neck) threw a bullpen session on Saturday and appears to be ready for his return from the DL. Although Martinez left open the possibility of Strasburg making a rehab start instead, the team has been planning for Strasburg to start Tuesday night against the division-rival Phillies at Nationals Park.
Herrea could be ready Tuesday
The Nats bullpen may get a much-needed jolt with the return of Kelvin Herrera, who could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Herrera, who is on the DL with a right rotator cuff impingement, threw a 15-pitch simulated game Saturday afternoon and felt no discomfort in his shoulder.
He was initially scheduled to just throw a bullpen session, but Martinez wanted to see him face hitters to gauge his progress. Herrera had struggled during his tenure with the Nats, posting a 4.76 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP in 19 games before landing on the DL, but his return could help a bullpen short on reliable, healthy arms.
"I saw the ball today was coming out hot and had a lot of action," Martinez said. "Hopefully this is behind him, and come Tuesday or Wednesday, he's ready to go."
Gott optioned; Cordero promoted
The Nationals also swapped right-handed relievers on Saturday, optioning Trevor Gott to Syracuse while promoting Jimmy Cordero to the Majors. Cordero appeared in two games earlier this year for the Nats and has excelled at Triple-A Syracuse with a 1.96 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 46 innings without allowing a home run.