Impending Roster Moves

Charlie Slowes announced that the Nationals would be making three roster moves after Monday's game. Coming up to the Nats will be RH RP Travis Hughes and aged CA Keith Osik from New Orleans and RH SP Darrell Rasner from Harrisburg. Hughes and Rasner are on the 40-man so do not require any additional moves. Osik will be added to the roster spot freed up by moving RH SP Ryan Drese to the 60-day DL with shoulder surgery. Hughes was unable to be recalled for 10 days (or the end of the Triple-A season) after being sent down last week. He will provide RH help in the bullpen as RH RP Luis Ayala will be undergoing an MRI on his ailing arm. The 24-year old Rasner, a 2002 2nd round draft pick, will likely assume Tony Armas spot in the rotation. Armas is going to Texas for a check-up on his shoulder. Rasner is a sinkerball pitcher with adequate control. In 27 games this year with Harrisburg (26 starts/1CG), Rasner was 6-7 with a 3.59ERA. In 150.1IP, he has given up 150H (10HR) while walking 29 and striking out 96. Think Zach Day (hopefully with thicker skin). He is probably a #4/5 SP at best but it will be interesting to see what he can bring to the Nationals down the stretch. Still unresolved is the roster move made to account for Kenny Kelly's addition to the roster.