Nationals recall Austen Williams

By Doug Miller

Nationals

April 13, 2019, 8:02am

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The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Austen Williams from Triple-A Fresno and placed right-handed pitcher Justin Miller on the 10-day Injured List with a lower back strain on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Williams, 26, joins the Nationals for his first Major League assignment of 2019. He enjoyed a strong 2019 Spring Training, retiring all but two batters he faced while striking out seven batters in 7.2 innings across eight appearances. He was optioned to Triple-A Fresno where he appeared in three games prior to this recall.

In 2018, Williams went 3-3 with two saves and a 1.19 ERA in 32 games between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse. He struck out 89 batters in 68.0 innings pitched and did not allow a home run in any of his 32 Minor League appearances. He had his contract selected by Washington on Sept. 1 and went on to offer scoreless relief in six of his 10 appearances out of Washington's bullpen.

A former sixth-round pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, Williams began his professional career as a starter before converting to the bullpen in 2018.

Miller, 31, posted a 5.68 ERA in seven appearances out of Washington's bullpen.