Solis has battled injuries to finally get big league chance

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

April 29, 2015, 11:03am

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Left-hander Sammy Solis was called up to the big leagues Wednesday, finally getting a shot with the Nationals after showing so much promise coming out of the University of San Diego.

Yes, Solis is that other great pitcher in the Nationals system from San Diego.

Back in 2010, then-minor league pitching coach and current Nationals pitching coordinator Paul Menhart thought Solis' stuff could play at the highest levels because he could pitch well against Arizona Fall League competition, and he mentioned Solis in the same breath as San Diego State product Stephen Strasburg.

Solis has undergone Tommy John surgery, endured shoulder fatigue and recovered from back spasms, just a mention a few of the obstacles that have slowed his progress up the Nationals' chain.

Nationals player development staff stayed high on Solis and decided to begin his work in the bullpen this season. Solis had been a starter his entire career. After showing he could handle Double-A Harrisburg, he got the call Wednesday to join the Nationals in Atlanta.

The Nationals have always felt Solis had major league stuff, and he also doesn't get rattled on the mound. Because he was a starter by trade, he has the ability to stay with his pitches and his catcher to work out of jams. He has the patience and the stuff to get guys out.

Again and again, you hear about Solis' poise and his ability to throw a 92-94 mph fastball and a 78 mph knuckle curve. He has shown, when healthy, he can deliver at several levels. If he can sustain with the Nationals, he could have a long ride. He certainly has earned the shot.