Nationals recall RHP Ryan Mattheus, option RHP Taylor Jordan to Triple-A Syracuse

The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed reliever Ryan Mattheus from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and optioned right-handed starter Taylor Jordan to Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Mattheus, 30, joins the Nationals after pitching in eight games for Triple-A Syracuse, working in both short relief as well as multi-inning appearances. In 10 innings of work, Mattheus has struck out eight batters and walked only three; he has allowed 11 hits and worked to a 5.40 ERA.

In four home games (6.2 IP) Mattheus has held opponents to a .227 batting average.

Acquired by the Nationals in 2009, Mattheus has pitched to a 3.77 ERA in parts of three Major League seasons, including posting a 2.84 mark in his first two seasons in the big leagues (101 games, 98.1 innings pitched).

Jordan, 25, made five starts for the Nationals this season. He was 0-3 with a 5.61 ERA in 25.2 innings. In 14 career Major League games (77.1 IP), Jordan has a 4.31 ERA.