Before Sunday’s game with the New York Yankees, the Washington Nationals activated relief pitcher Ryan Mattheus from the disabled list and designated veteran reliever Brad Lidge for assignment.
Lidge, 35, struggled since his return from the D.L. last week. In four appearances he allowed six earned runs on six hits and four walks in 2 1/3 innings. For the season, Lidge, signed for $1 million over the off-season to add a veteran presence in the bullpen, went 0-1 with two saves and a 9.64 ERA in 11 appearances with a combined 23 hits and walks in 9 1/3 innings.
Mattheus missed the last 24 games with a plantar fascia strain in his left foot. The 28-year old is 2-1 with six holds and a 2.25 ERA in 19 appearances. He’s activated form a rehab stint where he went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three appearances (3.0 IP) with Double-A Harrisburg and Single-A Potomac.
There will be more moves in the bullpen to come, as Henry Rodriguez will be beginning a rehab assignment soon and closer Drew Storen has increased his rehab, having thrown from a mound and is expected to rejoin the team around the All-Star break.