Washington Nationals news and notes: Davey Martinez on Luis Garcia’s return, Michael Franco’s DFA and more…

Garcia’s Back!!!:

Luis García is a 10-day IL (Dating back to August 13th) returned with a left groin strain on Aug. 15, but the 22-year-old infielder recovered quickly enough to go out for a rehab stint earlier this week, with enough at-bats and reps at second base (He was set to play Shortstop full-time alongside CJ Abrams), the Nationals decided to give him a call ahead of last night’s series opener against Cincinnati’s Reds in Washington, DC.

“He was ready.

“He didn’t want to go there in the first place. I thought he was ready right away. And I said, ‘No, you’re going to go out there and take an at-bat and play second base. , you’re not doing it.” But he’s ready to go. “

Garcia was doing well before his injury, going 18-55 (.327/.345/.509) in his last 15 games with 2 doubles, triples, 2 homers, 2 walks and 10Ks. 58 at-bats.

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After a short rehab trip, the Nationals quickly brought Garcia back so he could work alongside Abrams and get comfortable with his new double-play partner.

“He came out in a rehab game and played just six innings in the first game. He ended up playing nine, which means he’s pretty good,” Martinez said.

“So let him go there. He’s going to play. He’s going to play second base. I’m really looking forward to seeing him and Abrams play together. prize.

“And I’m curious to see how they do together in the middle. So we’re excited about that too. So he’s just going to go out there and play. “Hey, just be honest with me. If you feel anything, let me know right away. But you’re going to go out there and play every day until you think you need a break.”

What did Martinez think about working together in the first game with both of them in the lineup?

‘I loved watching them,’ he said after the 3-7 loss to the Reds

“The future is bright, yes, we’re in the middle now. It’s going to take a little while. The timing of the first double play wasn’t great, but I think we’ll get better once we get used to each other’s play.”

Roster Moves – Maikel Franco Release:

In addition to bringing back Luis Garcia and calling up Cade Cavalli for his MLB debut, the Nationals announced two roster moves ahead of last night’s game:

• Select right-handed contract Cade Cavalli From Triple A Rochester
• Returned from rehabilitation duty and returned to infielder Luis Garcia off the injured list for 10 days
• optional right pitcher Corey Abbott Triple-A to Rochester (Wednesday)
• Unconditional release of third baseman Michael Franco

Franco, who turned 30 yesterday, signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals this offseason and will eventually start at third base after Carter Keyboom was injured. /. 342 He recorded 15 doubles and his 9 homers at the line, but he’s been playing sparingly lately, and Il de Maro has seen Vargas starting from third base more and more often. rice field.

“It was tough,” Davey Martinez said of having to break the news. “He’s done it all. I feel like we’re going in different directions. I like how Vargas is playing. I know Vargas can do a lot in the infield. So, Sorry, but in this game, the hardest part of my job I have to do is tell someone that he’s no longer with us. .

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“And I said to him, ‘If I can help you as much as I can, my number will stay the same no matter what. So you can always call me.'”

Martinez said he also plans to talk to veteran infielder Cesar Hernández, who played in 123 games this season in second place, but his role in DC’s new midfield will be reduced.

“I’m going to talk to Cesar,” Martinez said. “You know, we play Lewis and Abrams every day. But he could potentially play third base and he’s already got a ground ball there. I also talk a little bit about playing outfield, I know he did that, but he could have done it, so I figured out a way to get him in. I just don’t want to sit there for five weeks, so he’ll definitely get time in another position.”

Holiday addition:

On Thursday’s off day, the Nationals added pitching depth to their organization with right-handed pitcher Tommy Romero being waived by the Tampa Bay Rays and the 25-year-old moving to Triple-A Rochester. .

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A 15th-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2017, Romero was traded to the Rays in 2018 and made his debut earlier this season, appearing in three major league games before being DFAed by Tampa Bay and acquired by Washington. rice field.

“He’s going to be a great addition because he’s the piece of depth we need to move forward,” Martinez told reporters. Tell me the length.

“We felt he could definitely help us. Maybe not now, but maybe in the future. He’ll be there and probably start soon. Then , we’ll see where we are.”