Washington Nationals right-hander Mason Thompson (elbow) is set to be re-examined by team doctors this week after being shut down the last two weeks of camp with a sore elbow. Thompson had Tommy John surgery nine years ago as a junior in high school. He's avoided major injuries since then, but he did miss three months due to a right-biceps strain in 2022. Manager Dave Martinez admitted he's "a little concerned." Thompson was dominant at times out of Washington's bullpen, but he wasn't guaranteed a spot on this year's Opening Day roster, so his elbow injury is going to make it even tougher for him to earn a spot. He struggled through most of the second half in 2023 and finished with a 5.50 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 51 games.
Washington Nationals right-hander Mason Thompson (elbow) has been shut down for at least two weeks with an elbow issue that he suffered over the winter, according to general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez. Even though Thompson will require less time to get ready because he's a reliever, this news still puts his availability for Opening Day in question. In his second full year with the Nats in 2023, he went 4-4 with a career-worst 5.50 ERA (4.03 FIP) and 1.56 WHIP with his second career save, 22 walks and a career-high 44 strikeouts in 54 relief innings. Thompson has a career 4.53 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 82 strikeouts in 103 1/3 relief innings over his three major-league seasons and won't be a roster lock, even if he's healthy.
Washington Nationals right-hander Mason Thompson was called on for the last three innings of work in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the New York Mets. He struck out four and gave up one hit to secure his first save of the season and second of his career. Thompson owns a 0.96 ERA, 0.59 WHIP, and 26.2% strikeout rate across 18.2 innings. Despite the 25-year-old's strong numbers, he hasn't been a factor in many high-leverage situations, with just one hold to his name. With Kyle Finnegan and Carl Edwards Jr. on the roster, it'll be hard for Thompson to get a look as a closer, but if he keeps dominating, he should start racking up more holds.
Washington Nationals pitcher Mason Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. He was sent down to the minors to open a roster spot for newly claimed Jake McGee. Thompson owned a 1.13 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and seven strikeouts over eight innings in 2022. The 24-year-old could get the call to the big leagues when rosters expand in September. McGee has a 7.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 27 innings in 30 appearances with the Giants and Brewers in 2022. The 36-year-old is expected to serve in a middle-relief role for the Nationals and won't have much fantasy value forward.
The Washington Nationals placed right-hander Mason Thompson (biceps) on the 10-day injured list on Sunday with a right biceps strain and recalled reliever Hunter Harvey from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. Thompson was injured during his outing on Saturday against the New York Mets. The 24-year-old has tossed one scoreless inning so far this year, allowing two walks while striking out three. Harvey will serve in a middle-relief role for the Nationals and won't have any fantasy value. The 27-year-old right-hander has never been able to get on track due to injuries, but he does have a decent 3.42 career ERA with 23 strikeouts in 23 2/3 big-league innings.
San Diego Padres relief pitchers Nick Ramirez and Mason Thompson have been recalled from the minors on Sunday. The Padres will get a few fresh arms out of their bullpen, but fantasy managers don't need to worry much about them. Ramirez likely won't last too long on the active roster and has struggled during his time with the team this season. Thompson is one of the better relief prospects in the MLB. However, he'll likely be eased into higher leverage roles, so he won't have much fantasy impact right away. Thompson has a chance at being the future closer, but will need to earn that role.
