Nationals Activate Knuckleballer Amid NL East Freefall

The Washington Nationals have activated knuckleball pitcher Matt Waldron from waivers, claiming him from the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. In response, they placed veteran right-handed reliever Trevor Williams on the assignment list. Waldron, the only active primary knuckleball pitcher in MLB, began the season with the San Diego Padres, making 10 appearances there.

After a poor start in starts, he was moved to the bullpen. His stint in the bullpen saw limited success, leading to his placement on the injured list. He returned mid-season and pitched solid long relief innings, but was subsequently designated for assignment by the Padres. The Blue Jays gave a chance to the 34-year-old veteran, who appeared in four relief games for them but allowed five earned runs in 4.1 innings.

On the season, Waldron has a 7.54 ERA across 14 appearances, striking out 31 batters over 37 innings pitched. The Nationals, who started the season with a .500 record, have since fallen to nine games under .500 and sit 9.5 games back from a postseason berth. Waldron, who primarily pitched as a starter before this season, will likely serve as a relief arm for the Nationals.

With their pitching staff struggling, the Nationals hope Waldron can help improve their 4.80 ERA on the season and steer them back to winning ways following their recent slump.