The Washington Nationals have officially assigned right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence to Triple-A Rochester after he passed through waivers unclaimed. After being designated for assignment, Lawrence had the option to reject the assignment and pursue free agency, but he chose to stay and forfeit a portion of his $1.225 million contract for the season. This move marks Lawrence's third team of the year, following stints with the Pirates and Twins, where he has struggled with a 7.34 ERA across 34 1/3 innings. Despite his challenges, he has tangible potential with impressive strikeout and ground ball rates, though control issues have hampered his effectiveness. Should he perform well in Triple-A, the Nats might consider recalling him for the final stretch of the season.

By the Numbers
  • Lawrence has pitched a total of 34 1/3 innings this season, allowing 7.34 earned runs per nine innings.
  • He has a 15.8% walk rate and a concerning 2.36 home runs allowed per nine innings.
State of Play
  • Lawrence's performance has included a mixed bag of results, with improved outings in the past, making him a candidate for a potential call-up.
  • The Nationals' bullpen has been inconsistent, creating openings for relievers who can perform well in Triple-A.
What's Next

If Lawrence can demonstrate improved control and performance in Rochester, he may earn another chance in the majors later this season. His future with the Nationals hinges on his ability to lower his walk and home run rates while maintaining his strikeout potential.

Bottom Line

Justin Lawrence holds significant potential as a big league reliever, but his immediate future depends on refining his control. If he succeeds in Triple-A, he could provide valuable depth for the Nationals down the stretch. This situation underscores the balance between potential and performance in major league baseball.