Nationals recall Jordan, send down Cole

WASHINGTON -- Right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, the Nationals announced Sunday.

Righty Taylor Jordan has been recalled in the corresponding move to give the Nationals a fresh arm out of the bullpen after Cole's extended outing on Saturday.

"A.J., he's down for a few days anyways. We have a spot-start if you will tomorrow, and certainly need some length in the bullpen if we need it. That's the reasoning," manager Matt Williams said. "So, A.J. is going to go back down, get back on his normal turn and continue."

Cole has three appearances over two stints in the Majors in 2015.

On April 28, he started against the Braves in his Major League debut and allowed four earned runs and nine hits in two innings. After a trip back to the Minors, he returned to Washington and was much better in two relief appearances.

Out of the bullpen, he combined for 7 1/3 innings -- 4 1/3 of which came on Saturday -- five hits and two runs.

Jordan began the 2014 season in the Nationals' starting rotation, but was optioned to Syracuse after starting 0-3 with a 5.61 ERA. After six starts there, he underwent season-ending elbow surgery.

Jordan is 1-2 with a 2.14 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in seven Triple-A starts this season. This is his second stint in the Majors this season.