The Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Rafael Martin from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, adding him to the active roster in the space that was vacated when right-hander Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an upper back strain (retroactive to June 16) on Sunday, June 26. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
Martin, 32, joins the Nationals for his first Major League assignment of the season. The right-hander is 1-3 with a 4.40 ERA in 29 games out of the bullpen at Triple-A Syracuse this season. Martin has thrown scoreless relief in 23 of his 29 appearances for Syracuse, striking out 31 batters and walking 12 (three intentional). He ranks second in the International League in saves with 14.
Martin earned his first Major League exposure in 2015, appearing in 13 games for the Nationals last season. Martin did not allow a run in 10 of those 13 outings.
Strasburg, 27, was placed on the disabled list on Sunday, retroactive to June 16.
The right-hander is 10-0 with a 2.90 ERA in 14 starts this season. Strasburg is in the midst of a Nationals/Expos record 13-game winning streak dating to Sept. 15, 2015, and is the first National League starter to begin a season 10-0 since San Diego right-hander Andy Hawkins went 11-0 in 1985.