Littell DFA'd, Lord activated as Nats begin prioritizing future
In designating Zack Littell for assignment, the Nationals made the first of potentially several moves to replace veterans with younger players
PHILADELPHIA – The Nationals designated Zack Littell for assignment today, the first of perhaps several decisions they could make in the coming days as the club starts prioritizing the future over the present.
With Brad Lord ready to come off the 15-day IL, the Nats decided not to drop another reliever but instead cut ties with Littell, the veteran starter who signed during spring training for a guaranteed $7 million but never lived up to his track record as a quality innings-eater.
The 30-year-old right-hander went 7-8 with a 4.97 ERA and 1.335 WHIP in 23 games (14 of them starts, the other nine bulk relief appearances following an opener). He led the league in home runs allowed for much of the season but is currently third on that list with 25 surrendered in 112 1/3 innings, trailing the Phillies’ Aaron Nola (28) and now-former teammate Miles Mikolas (26).
That subpar performance, combined with the Nationals’ desire to start seeing some younger alternatives after the passage of Monday’s trade deadline, prompted today’s decision.
