With Wieters back from DL, Severino optioned to Syracuse

PITTSBURGH - Not quite eight weeks removed from right hamstring surgery, Matt Wieters is back on the Nationals' active roster and back in the starting lineup for tonight's series opener against the Pirates. Now the Nats can only hope the return of their No. 1 catcher makes a significant difference for a pitching staff that floundered with Pedro Severino and Spencer Kieboom behind the plate.

"He led our pitching staff a lot," manager Davey Martinez said. "And Sevy did a great job. For being a young catcher and stepping in, he did a wonderful job. But having a veteran guy like Wieters back to help the staff is pretty good."

Wieters was batting only .231 with a .727 OPS when he injured himself rounding first base May 10 in Arizona, but those numbers still dwarfed the offensive production the Nationals got from Severino (.171, .510) and Kieboom (.220, .546).

And the club also believes Wieters' presence behind the plate will have a positive impact on a pitching staff that shockingly has a 5.49 ERA over its last 28 games.

Wieters caught a total of 12 innings in back-to-back rehab games for Double-A Harrisburg over the weekend. That might normally merit a day off before his activation, but he informed team officials he was ready to go, so the Nationals went ahead and made the transaction this afternoon, optioning Severino to Triple-A Syracuse to clear a spot for him.

"I think being able to do a seven-inning (game) and a five-inning (game), it almost feels like a nine and then a day off," Wieters said. "And really, it felt good going day game after a night game. So that was a pretty good test right away, but also gives me confidence that it's ready for tonight."

These first couple weeks back could be critical for Wieters, who needs to reestablish his value to a Nationals club that has been scouting several catchers potentially available in a trade before the July 31 deadline.

How, then, does the veteran avoid putting too much pressure on himself to try to make a profound impact right away?

"Just come out and do what I've always done," he said. "Try to put together a good game plan and work with the pitching staff. Just find a way to help the team win any way I can. It'll be nice to actually be on the field and feel like I can contribute there. As far as trying to do too much, we've got a good team here. If everyone just goes out there and does what they're capable of, we'll be fine."

The decision to send Severino down would have come as a complete shock only a few weeks ago, but the 24-year-old has been in a major funk at the plate since taking over No. 1 duties and has struggled to get on the same page with some pitchers of late as well.

"I didn't put up the offensive numbers that I would have liked to, or was expected," Severino said through interpreter Octavio Martinez. "I feel like that is part of the reason (for the demotion). I just have to keep working hard and hopefully get another chance and opportunity."

Davey Martinez, who on Sunday was critical of Severino's bat flip following his home run during the previous night's blowout win over the Marlins, spoke highly of the young catcher today in explaining the decision to send him down.

"When he does come back, if somebody gets hurt, he's probably going to have to catch a lot again," the manager said. "We just want him to get better. I told him today, I really believe he's the future here. He's done a good job. But sitting on the bench is not going to help him. He needs to play."