Salazar joins Nats bullpen for now, Rutledge optioned back to Triple-A

MILWAUKEE – The Nationals have decided to use the last two days before the All-Star break as an opportunity to get a look at another pitcher who could figure into their long-term plans if he keeps doing in the majors what he did at Triple-A.

The Nats called up reliever Eduardo Salazar prior to today’s game against the Brewers, swapping the right-hander for Jackson Rutledge, who was optioned back to Rochester following his strong spot start Friday night at American Family Field.

Salazar, 26, was claimed off waivers from the Mariners last month, then proceeded to post eye-popping numbers in nine games at Triple-A: one earned run allowed in 10 2/3 innings, with 15 strikeouts and only two walks.

“Very impressive,” manager Davey Martinez said, adding: “I really wanted to give him a chance, especially in the next couple days, see what he can do if we get him in there. He threw the ball really well at Triple-A. He was a really good addition for us to pick up. I appreciate the guys adding another arm for us.”

Salazar has nine games of big league experience over the last two seasons with the Reds and Dodgers but has been on a meandering ride the last few months. The Mariners claimed him off waivers May 23, but after only four appearances at Triple-A Tacoma, the Nats claimed him off waivers June 13 and added him to their organization.

“It’s definitely been difficult to get adjusted, going into new teams,” he said, via interpreter Octavio Martinez. “Especially at the beginning, when I already felt like I was comfortable with the (Reds). And then I ended up going to the Dodgers, and then Seattle. It’s always a difficult adjustment to make with new teams. But at the end of the day, I just have to have a good attitude about the whole situation, stay positive and try to help any team I can to win games.”

Salazar, who features a two-seam fastball and slider, has the ability to go multiple innings. Davey Martinez hopes to find a spot to use him this weekend, though preferably not a high-leverage spot, as the Nationals try to evaluate him and decide how he might fit into their plans in the second half and beyond.

Rutledge, meanwhile, heads back to Rochester after making a good impression on club officials during his spot start Friday night. The right-hander allowed two runs over 4 2/3 innings, striking out six, and would’ve been in line for the win if not for CJ Abrams’ error on a routine grounder with two outs in the fifth against what proved to be Rutledge’s final batter of the game.

The Nats won’t need a fifth starter coming out of the All-Star break until their eighth game, July 27 in St. Louis, so they’re likely to keep a ninth reliever until that time. It remains to be seen who gets added to the rotation when the time comes, but there’s a good chance DJ Herz will return from Triple-A by then.

Herz, who was optioned earlier this week to get a bit of a break during his rookie season, is scheduled to start Sunday for Rochester. Martinez said the lefty will probably be limited to four innings as the organization looks to limit his workload and conserve innings for the second half.