The Washington Nationals acquired right-handed pitcher Jhon Romero from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brandon Kintzler on Tuesday. Additionally, Washington activated third baseman Anthony Rendon from the family medical leave list. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
Romero, 23, is 1-2 with nine saves and a 3.27 ERA (16 ER/44.0 IP) in 32 games for Single-A Myrtle Beach. He has recorded 57 strikeouts, 17 walks, one home run and a .237 opponent batting average along the way.
Signed as a non-drafted free agent on May 13, 2015, Romero has posted a 2.34 ERA and has converted 16 of 18 save opportunities in 62 career professional games. He has recorded a 1.01 WHIP and has held opponents to a .190 average in those 62 career outings.
Kintzler, 33, went 3-3 with three saves and a 3.54 ERA (27 ER/68.2 IP) in 72 games out of Washington's bullpen after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins on July 31, 2017.
Rendon, 28, has hit .284 with 25 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 47 RBI, 32 walks and 47 runs scored in 80 games this season.