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The Nats’ Jaguar RHP Stephen Strasburg went in the shop on the I.L. while the parade of injured relievers continues. Let’s catch up on the transactions over the past four days or so.

It’s rather telling that with Avilán contracting Nats’ elbow that we have heard almost nothing about Seth Romero, who would seem to be an option as either a reliever or a starter – especially with the dearth of southpaws. Unless, of course, there’s something (physically) wrong with him…

This is what we’re reduced to – reporting on what amounts to reversals of infection protocols while we wait for the minors to start up:      ●  IF Luis García, OF Yadiel Hernandez optioned to the Alternate Training Site      ●  LF Kyle Schwarber; IFs Josh Bell, Josh Harrison removed from I.L.*      ●  C Jonathan Lucroy designated for assignment           * …

As was to be expected, the reversals from just prior to the regular season have begun:

RETURNED TO ATS
• OF Cody Wilson

OPTIONED TO ATS
• C Tres Barrera
• RHP Kyle McGowin
• RHP Ryne Harper
• IF Carter Kieboom

IL STATUS CHANGED
• LHP Patrick Corbin
• C Alex Avila
• C Yan Gomes
• IF Jordy Mercer
• LHP Brad Hand

In these confusing times, it appears that even though MLB used the same language it does when a player is added to the 40-man (“selected the contract”), Cody Wilson is NOT on the 40-man roster. My apologies for the error.

Ahead of yesterday’s 6-5 walkoff win, the Nats took made a slew of roster moves to account for the COVID-19 breakout that delayed Opening Day five days. ADDED TO 40-MAN RECALLED PLACED ON IL ●  C Jonathan Lucroy ●  C Tres Barrera ●  C Alex Avila ●  OF Cody Wilson ●  LHP Sam Clay ●  1B Josh Bell   ●  IF Luis …

Former top prospects Carter Kieboom and Luis García were the highlights of a slew of moves that have essentially set the Opening Day Roster: OPTIONED TO AAA LHP Sam Clay 2B Luis García OF Yadiel Hernandez 3B Carter Kieboom RHP Kyle McGowin ADDED TO 40-MAN IF Jordy Mercer IF-OF Hernán Pérez REASSIGNED TO MINOR-LEAGUE CAMP …

Three more players—all 2021 Watchlisters—have been optioned to AAA:

• C Tres Barrera
• LHP Ben Braymer
• RHP Steven Fuentes

None of the moves were unexpected.

Barrera is clearly in line behind Yan Gomes, Alex Avila, and Blake Swihart. This may be a signal that the Nats do not plan to carry three catchers.

Braymer had been unimpressive in four spring outings, though his lack of elite velocity is probably more likely the reason.

Fuentes has not pitched above AA yet. We’ll have to wait and see if he returns to starting or if the Nats keep him on the bullpen track.

The Nats outslugged the Astros last night, 10-9, and host the Marlins tonight at 6:05 p.m. The game can be heard locally on 980AM, unless there’s some other gambling sporting event going on today/tonight?