Fedde optioned to Fresno, opening door for Voth to start again

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

June 24, 2019, 6:27am

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It appears Austin Voth's fill-in start Sunday opened enough eyes to warrant another look.

The Nationals have optioned Erick Fedde to Triple-A Fresno, paving the way for Voth to remain as part of the big league rotation on the heels of his impressive outing Sunday afternoon against the Braves.

Fedde had assumed the No. 5 starter's job over the last month, and had pitched well for much of that time, posting a 2.70 ERA in four outings. But he gave up five runs in six innings to the Diamondbacks on June 13, then issued five walks in only 3 2/3 innings Thursday against the Phillies.

Voth had been summoned from Fresno to make a spot start Sunday, necessitated by Wednesday's doubleheader and the fact the Nationals had to play six games in five days. The right-hander, who turns 28 this week, entered with low expectations but dazzled during a six-inning start, holding the Braves to a pair of solo homers while striking out seven and maintaining a 95-96 mph fastball.

Thus the Nationals decided to keep Voth around for now and presumably give him another start. As things currently line up, he would take the mound Saturday at Detroit.

Fedde's demotion also opens up a spot for the Nationals to add another player before Tuesday's series opener in Miami. In the wake of Trevor Rosenthal's release Sunday morning, the club is likely to add a reliever and could choose someone not currently on the 40-man roster to assume Rosenthal's spot.