John Lannan could be an integral piece for the Nats stretch drive. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)
Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson announced before Friday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals that the team would add several players when the rosters expand after Sept. 1. Johnson listed LHP John Lannan, C Sandy Leon, OF Eury Perez and veteran INF Mark DeRosa as definites, with OF Corey Brown and another AAA pitcher — likely to be RHP Christian Garcia — to be added Sept. 3 after AAA-Syracuse finishes their season.
All but Perez and Garcia have previous Major League experience.
Lannan is expected to replace Stephen Strasburg in the Nats rotation once Strasburg is shut down due to the team-imposed innings limit for him in his first year after Tommy John surgery.
Leon made a brief one-game appearance earlier this season, going 0-for-1, but injured his knee in a home plate collision in the same game. He made his minor league rehab and will join the team as a third catcher. Perez has jumped two minor league level this season. A speedy outfielder and terrific base runner, he’ll be used primarily as a pinch-runner down the stretch.
DeRosa has been on the D.L. since Aug. 5. He’s hit .152/.288/.212 in 81 plate appearances this season.
Johnson also announced that RHP Henry Rodriguez underwent surgery Friday to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his right elbow. He will not be allowed to lift a baseball for three months. Johnson indicated Rodriguez tried to pitch through the discomfort in his elbow this season. “Hot Rod” went 1-3 with a 5.83 ERA in 35 games for the Nats this year. He walked an astounding 6.8 hitters per nine innings while striking out 9.5 per nine.
