Rivero recalled, Grace optioned; Nats trade for Walters

By Josh Land

Nationals

June 01, 2015, 11:50am

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The Nationals recalled left-hander Felipe Rivero this afternoon and optioned lefty Matt Grace to Triple-A Syracuse.

Grace was unable to record an out in the seventh inning yesterday while allowing four runs on three hits and two walks. The 26-year-old had pitched well for most of his 17 appearances since making his major league debut on April 22. Grace went 2-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 12 innings.

Rivero also made his debut in the big leagues this season, giving up a run on three hits with two strikeouts in the Nats' 7-2 win on April 17. Unfortunately, a gastrointestinal bleed forced Rivero to the 15-day disabled list on April 22.

The 23-year-old Rivero is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in eight appearances at Syracuse this year. Rivero entered the 2015 season rated as the No. 18 prospect - and No. 2 left-handed pitching prospect - in the Nationals organization.

In another move today, the Nationals have acquired right-hander P.J. Walters from the Dodgers for cash considerations.

Walters hasn't pitched in the majors since 2013, when he went 2-5 with a 5.95 ERA in eight starts for the Twins. In 40 big league appearances (24 starts), Walters is 6-10 with a 6.28 ERA.

The 30-year-old was 2-3 with 5.12 ERA in seven starts in the minors this season.

The Nationals sent Walters to Triple-A Syracuse.