Machado selected, Willingham optioned, Robles transferred to 60-day IL

The Nationals brought in some bullpen reinforcement ahead of this afternoon’s finale against the Rockies.

Andrés Machado had his contract selected from Triple-A Rochester, Amos Willingham was optioned down to Rochester and Victor Robles was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

After starting the season in Rochester, Machado, 30, posted an 8.47 ERA and 1.765 WHIP in 17 innings over 14 major league appearances this season. He was designated for assignment on June 5 when Jordan Weems was recalled.

The right-hander struggled with his command in his short time with Washington. He gave up 25 hits, six home runs, five walks, a balk and a wild pitch while only striking out 12.

With the Red Wings, he has a 4.08 ERA and 1.186 WHIP in 28 ⅔ innings over 24 outings.

Willingham, 24, struggled in his first major league stint. The rookie right-hander gave up 11 runs (11.00 ERA), 17 hits, five home runs, two walks, five strikeouts and a hit batter over nine innings in nine appearances.

Before being promoted on May 14, Willingham only allowed one unearned run and struck out 14 to just one walk in 10 ⅔ innings of relief for Double-A Harrisburg. He went on to pitch to a 3.46 ERA and 1.462 WHIP in 13 innings over 10 games with Rochester.

Between both minor league levels, Willingham has a 1.90 ERA, 1.099 WHIP and 9.5 strikeouts-per-innings rate. He’s only given up one homer and nine walks to 25 strikeouts in the minors.

Robles, who earlier this week said he was feeling “much better” with his back injury, was transferred to the 60-day to give him more time to heal. After weeks at the team’s facility in West Palm Beach, the 26-year-old will continue his rehab in Washington even while the team is on the road.

In his 36 games, he’s batting .299 with five doubles, a triple, eight RBIs, eight stolen bases, 11 walks, a .385 on-base percentage and .749 OPS.

He came back for five games in June after a short rehab assignment in Rochester, but reinjured himself crashing into the wall while trying to make a lunging catch in center field and having issues running.

Robles was put back on the injured list on June 21 and now can’t return until Aug. 21.