The Washington Nationals optioned pitching prospect Jackson Rutledge to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday after a spring that saw him post a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and a 10:14 BB:K in 15 innings of work. The righty had moved to the bullpen earlier in the month in hopes of unlocking some extra velocity and effectiveness, but the move wasn't enough to helphim stick with the big league club. The 6-foot-8 hurler has made a handfulof startsfor the Nationals over the lastcouple of seasons, but it remainsto be seen whether he'll stay in the rotation at Triple-A or fill a relief role. Regardless, until he's back in the big leagues pitching meaningful innings, the former first-round draft pick is not relevant for fantasy.

MASN's Mark Zuckerman reports that the Washington Nationals are moving 2019 first-rounder Jackson Rutledge to the bullpen, according to manager Dave Martinez. The Nationals currently have plenty of starting-pitching depth entering the 2025 season, so this will be the 25-year-old right-hander's best shot at making the Opening Day roster. The Washington Post's Andrew Golden specifically notes that Martinez said Rutledge will serve in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen. The Nationals think the young pitcher will be more effective in his new role and will gain velocity in shorter stints. In addition to Rutledge, Cole Henry has also been moved to the 'pen this spring. Rutledge had a walk rate over 13% with a rough 6.40 ERA at Triple-A Rochester last year and also has a 5.72 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 28 1/3 innings over seven outings (five starts) the last two years in the big leagues.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jackson Rutledge has been recalled to start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The 25-year-old will make at least one start in the rotation, but it's uncertain if he'll remain there following the All-Star break. Rutledge has a 6.66 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and 70/40 K/BB ratio across 16 starts in Triple-A this season. It's hard to imagine him having much success against the Brewers on Friday. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option for Friday's slate.

The Washington Nationals promoted right-handed pitching prospect Jackson Rutledge from Double-A Harrisburg to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. The former first-round pick in 2019 and current No. 11 prospect for the Nats, according to MLB Pipeline, went 6-1 with a 3.16 ERA and 1.098 WHIP while striking out 62 and walking 25 in 68 1/3 innings in his 12 starts for Harrisburg to earn the promotion. The 24-year-old had struggled in previous seasons due to injuries and inconsistency, but he's putting it all together in 2023 and could be a candidate to join Washington's starting rotation later this year. Rutledge is primarily a ground-ball pitcher with a fastball-slider combination, and he should be challenging for a rotation spot in D.C. to begin the 2024 season.