Washington Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, as announced on Sunday.
This decision follows his recent performance in which he pitched five hitless innings during a 2-0 victory against the Atlanta Braves.
Irvin, along with Nationals manager Drew Butera, expressed relief at the diagnosis, considering it to be favorable news after he reported shoulder soreness during Saturday’s game. Irvin noted that while he has felt discomfort previously, the intensity this time was unprecedented.
Positive Outlook Following MRI Results
Irvin described the MRI results as encouraging, stating, “Just thinking positive about it all together, you know. I think it was the best news that we could have heard. So I’m excited to get after it and see what this next 15 days looks like.”
Team Adjustments in Response to Injury
In light of Irvin’s injury, the Nationals have recalled left-hander PJ Poulin from Triple-A Rochester. Poulin is expected to provide relief pitching, though Butera has yet to determine who will take Irvin’s place in the starting rotation.
Prior to the injury, Irvin showcased an impressive performance, achieving his first win in nearly two months. He reported feeling tightness in his shoulder during the fifth inning and noted increased soreness after throwing a warmup pitch before the sixth inning.
Manager’s Perspective on Injury Management
Butera remarked on the situation, stating, “I think just with the MRI results, it looks like this is something that we caught probably as quickly as we could have. So I’m glad he did say something.” He emphasized the importance of Irvin’s decision to speak up, noting that it likely prevented further complications.
In the game against the Braves, Irvin combined with two relievers to deliver a one-hitter, showcasing his strong performance prior to the injury.
PJ Poulin’s Return to the Team
Poulin, who has a record of 3-0 with a 3.32 ERA over 23 games, including five starts, was previously optioned to Rochester when reliever Clayton Beeter returned from the injured list. Butera expressed his satisfaction with Poulin’s return, stating, “It’s great having P. J. back.”
Future Expectations for Irvin
Butera indicated that he anticipates Irvin will throw again on Tuesday, expressing optimism about his recovery process. “We plan on him feeling good,” he added.