Washington Nationals Roster
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The Washington Nationals re-signed utilityman Josh Harrison to a one-year, $1 million deal on Thursday. Harrison was released by the Phillies in July and latched on with the Nats, hitting .278 with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, six walks and 11 runs scored for Washington. The 33-year-old can make an extra $250,000 in performance bonuses tied to plate appearances in 2021. The two-time All-Star doesn't carry much fantasy appeal at this point in his career, but he's useful in NL-only leagues for his positional versatility, as he's started games at second base, third base, shortstop, designated hitter and both corner outfield spots in his 10-year career. He has a .273 career batting average, but he hit just .175 with a home run in 36 games for Detroit in 2019.
The Houston Astros will go with rookie pitcher Luis Garcia as the starter in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Rays on Thursday. Garcia appeared in just five games in 2020, making only one start in the abbreviated season. He had a 2.92 ERA and nine strikeouts in his 12 1/3 innings. Thursday will mark his first appearance in the playoffs. The 23-year-old right-hander had an FIP of 4.25 with a 0.97 WHIP in his five outings this year, walking five and allowing four earned runs in his 12 1/3 frames. With their season on the line, don't expect the Astros to leave Garcia in for long against Tampa, making him a poor DFS choice in his playoff debut.
Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher Sean Doolittle put together a message on Twitter ahead of his impending free agency, thanking fans for their support during his time with the organization. Doolittle battled through injuries in 2020 to post a 5.87 ERA in 11 appearances, losing his closers gig early on in the year. But during his four years with the club, he amassed 75 saves and served as the closer for the 2019 World championship team. Depending on where he signs, Doolittle may be back on the fantasy radar for 21, should he enter the year as the presumptive closer for a new squad.
Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin entered play Saturday as having allowed the most hits (85) of any pitcher in the Majors this season. After having compiled a 3.20 ERA with 10.8 K/9 over the past two years, Corbin was bit by regression after posting a 4.66 ERA with 8.2 K/9 this season. Prior to 2018, Corbin went through a rough patch while with the D-backs, posting two straight campaigns with an ERA above 4.00. Hell return next year with diminished fantasy value due to his performance, slotting in as the clubs No. 3 starter behind Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
Washington Nationals first baseman/designated hitter Howie Kendrick revealed Friday that he is mulling retirement at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Already done for the year due to a hamstring injury, Kendrick revealed that in a non-COVID-19 circumstance, this would have been his last year; but now? The decision is up in the air. Kendrick is set to become a free agent at seasons end, having slashed .275/.320/.385 in 25 games this season. In addition to being a postseason star for the Nationals, he has compiled an .873 OPS across four years with the club. He had some sizable season-long fantasy intrigue prior to the injuries in 20, so if he comes back for a final year in 21, he could retain some of that same value.