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Nats reinstate Moore from DL, call up Cole

The Nationals made two roster moves on Thursday, reinstating first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore from the 15-day disabled list and recalling right-hander A.J. Cole from Triple-A Syracuse.

Moore, 28, has missed the past 14 games with a left ankle sprain, which he suffered when he stepped on a baseball in a batting cage. He has appeared in 79 games for the Nats, hitting .200 with 10 doubles and four home runs, with his four pinch-hits tied for second on the team.

The 23-year-old Cole is in his third stint with Washington this season. He has a 5.79 ERA in three games (one start), holding opponents to a .185 average in his two appearances out of the bullpen.

Cole, the club's No. 6 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, was 5-6 with a 3.15 ERA in 21 games (19 starts) at Triple-A this season.

His Minor League numbers improved dramatically in August, which Cole credits to correcting the placement of his plant foot.

"I had a slow start, which I need to figure that out earlier," Cole said. "I did figure out what I was struggling with, which was mostly stride. Basically everything just kind of clicked after that, with motion, too, timing and everything like that."

He was 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA in six starts last month. 

Manager Matt Williams said Cole would work in a long-relief role, but it is also possible that he could make starts down the stretch. The Nationals are monitoring starter Joe Ross' innings, and it is unlikely he will remain in the rotation for the remainder of the season.

Jacob Emert is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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