The Washington Nationals have signed right-hander Spenser Watkins to a minor-league deal. The 31-year-old was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 30th round back in 2014 but hasn't enjoyed much success at the major league level. Watkins owns a career 5.97 ERA across 40 MLB appearances (31 starts) spanning 164 1/3 innings of work. He most recently appeared in just 4 1/3 innings this past season with the Oakland A's, logging one start and allowing five runs and two home runs in that time. He didn't fair much better at the Triple-A level between the A's, Orioles and Astros organizations, combing to toss a 7.86 ERA across 21 appearances (16 starts) and 71 innings of work. He will serve as rotation depth for the Nationals, whether it be in the minors or at the big-league level.
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Spenser Watkins has been designated for assignment, according to a source. The 30-year-old threw 105 1/3 innings in the majors last year but had spent his time at Triple-A Norfolk this year, going 2-1 with a rough 7.27 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 17 walks and 20 strikeouts in 26 innings over eight appearances (six starts). Watkins was called up by the Orioles over the weekend but didn't get into a game. His fastball is now up to 96 mph, and he recently started throwing a splitter. Watkins will likely clear waivers and be free to sign with any MLB team. In two seasons with Baltimore, he had a 5.85 ERA (4.97 FIP), 1.51 WHIP and 13.7 percent strikeout rate in 160 innings over 39 outings (30 starts).
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Spenser Watkins has been in a groove on the mound in July. Over his three starts this month, he's gone 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, earning quality starts in two of his three outings. The 29-year-old struggled over the first two months of the year. He had an ugly 6.00 ERA by the end of May. So far in July, he's been utilizing his cutter much more, throwing the pitch 33.3% of the time -- up from 19.3% in May. His cutter has been his most effective pitch this month as it's generated a 29.2% whiff rate while batters have hit just .158 against the pitch. It's going to be hard for Watkins to continue generating the type of results that he has been lately. He has just a 13.6% strikeout rate on the year and his season-long 3.93 ERA is well below his xERA of 5.55. Fantasy managers can consider him a streaming option for the right matchups but don't invest too much in him.
Spenser Watkins To Be Activated And Optioned To Triple-A
The Baltimore Orioles will be activating starting pitcher Spenser Watkins (arm) from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday. Following the move, Watkins will be sent to Triple-A Norfolk. Watkins has made eight starts for the Orioles so far this year and he's gone 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA, a 1.70 WHIP and an ugly 0.9 K/BB ratio. The 29-year-old wasn't able to pitch past the fifth inning in any of his starts this year and couldn't even record an out in his last start before hitting the injured list on May 22.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins (arm) will be re-evaluated on Monday, according to head coach Brandon Hyde. Watkins was removed from Sunday's start after getting hit by a comebacker. He was drilled in the arm by Ji-Man Choi in the first inning and exited the game. It doesn't appear that Watkins has suffered a major injury, but fantasy managers should know more on Monday.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins (arm) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning. He was hit in his right arm (his throwing arm) by a line drive off the bat of Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi. Relief pitcher Joey Krehbiel entered the game to take over on the mound. Watkins was struggling before exiting the game. He gave up three straight hits to start the game and wasn't able to record an out before exiting.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins turned in another poor start in Sunday's 12-8 loss to the Rays. Watkins pitched 5 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits (including three home runs) and a walk with four strikeouts. The 29-year-old has struggled mightily since his first few starts and now owns a 2-7 record with a 7.47 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 10 starts this season. His next start will be a tough one at the Yankees, but fantasy managers should steer clear of Watkins regardless of matchup.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins fell to 2-6 in Tuesday's 14-8 loss to the Angels. Watkins pitched just 2 innings, allowing eight runs on seven hits (including a two-run home run) and no walks with three strikeouts. The 28-year-old had a great couple of starts when he was called up, but he now owns a 7.07 ERA through nine starts. His next start will be a tough one against the Rays at home, but fantasy managers should steer clear of him in all formats regardless of matchup at this time.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins fell to 2-2- in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Tigers. Watkins pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts. The 28-year-old rookie now has a 3.81 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across five starts. He looked good in his first few, but has stumbled in his last two and will face another tough matchup next against the Rays at home. Fantasy managers should not trust Watkins until he proves that he can be more consistent.
Spenser Watkins Takes First Loss Of season Tuesday
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Spenser Watkins fell to 2-1 in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Marlins. Watkins pitched 4 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits (including a three-run home run) and a walk with a strikeout. It was the 28-year-old's first stumble this season, who has put together an impressive 3.10 ERA through his first four starts. His next start should be another interesting test at the hot Tigers. Fantasy managers may be intrigued by his first few starts, but they should wait to see a bit more before deciding to trust him in their rotations.
Spenser Watkins
• SP
•
Nationals
