Nationals Roster Moves

The Washington Nationals made several moves yesterday to improve their chances of remaining in the chase for a playoff spot. The Nationals placed both Junior Spivey (broken wrist) and Tony Blanco (vertigo) on the 15-day DL. They moved Henry Mateo from the 15-day to the 60-day DL (opening up a spot on the 40-man roster). They activated Ryan Church from the 15-day DL (shoulder/chest) who will in the near term return to his platoon with Marlon Byrd in LF (more on that later). The Nationals then signed veteran LH RP Mike Stanton to shore up a tired bullpen. But the biggest news of the night was the long-rumored deal for Preston Wilson was finally completed. Preston Wilson and cash have been sent by the Rockies to Washington in exchange for RH SP Zach Day, OF JJ Davis, and either a player to be named later (PTBNL) or cash, no roster move has been announced to accomodate Wilson. From a pure value standpoint, it is a solid deal for the Nationals, assuming the PTBNL isn't anyone of note from the Nationals farm. For analysis of what the deal does to the Nationals, check out Chris, he echoes how I feel about it. I'll watch to see who the PTBNL is.