Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris (neck) had a follow-up procedure last Thursday to remove scar tissue from last year's thoracic outlet surgery, and he won't be able to resume throwing for three to four weeks. However, the Nationals think that will be the last hurdle that Harris will have to overcome. The 37-year-old right-hander experienced some lingering issues this spring and will begin the season on the injured list. Harris was only able to throw six innings last year and allowed six earned runs while striking out nine and walking three in eight relief outings. But he has a 2.94 career ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 10 major league seasons and should be a key piece of the team's bullpen when he's ready to return.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris (shoulder), who has made just one spring training appearance back on March 19, said on Monday that he's having lingering issues following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome last summer. That doesn't sound good, and we can bet that the 37-year-old right-hander will open the season on the injured list. Harris, an All-Star back in 2016 with the Houston Astros, tossed only six innings and allowed six earned runs due to thoracic outlet issues last season. He has 21 career saves and a 2.94 ERA in 10 big-league seasons and was set to be a valuable middle-relief arm for the Nats this year. Kyle Finnegan is Washington's projected closer to open the 2022 campaign.
Juan Soto, Will Harris Activated From Injured List
The Washington Nationals activated outfielder Juan Soto (shoulder) and relief pitcher Will Harris (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Soto, who had been out since April 20 with a strained left shoulder, is not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old superstar should be available off the bench on Tuesday and should be back in the lineup on Wednesday, so fantasy managers will want to fire him up wherever they own him. Soto was hitting .300/.410/.460 with two home runs in 14 games before his injury. He's one of the best all-around players in the game. Harris had surgery to clear a blood clot in his right arm in the offseason and will be making his season debut when he gets into a game. The 36-year-old can be ignored in fantasy.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris (hand) threw a simulated game on Sunday. He has not pitched in a game since mid-March, so the Nationals plan to continue to get him repetitions out of the bullpen. Reliever Wander Suero (oblique) began his throwing program on Monday and threw lightly on Tuesday. Suero is scheduled to throw again on Wednesday, and the Nationals are hopeful that he could pitch off the mound later this week. He's been on the injured list with a left oblique strain since April 18. While oblique injuries are notoriously tricky to return from, especially for pitchers, it looks as though Suero is much closer to being activated than Harris at this point.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris will be evaluated "soon" after an MRI revealed a blood clot in his right (throwing) arm, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports reports. Harris last appeared on the mound on March 9, and Zuckerman adds that Harris had thrown in a "B" game on March 13, which he says is likely when Harris first reported the issue. It's unclear how long this will keep Harris off the mound, as he comes off a 2020 campaign that saw him post a 25 percent strikeout rate and 3.06 ERA across 20 appearances.
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Will Harris (groin) is progressing toward being activated from the injured list for the clubs contest Thursday against the Mets. Manager Davey Martinez confirmed before Wednesdays game so long as Harris was feeling strong Thursday, he would join the teams bullpen. Inked to a $24 million deal during the off-season to secure the back end of the clubs relief corps, Harris will presumably take on a considerable role from the onset. While Daniel Hudson figures to remain the teams closer for the time being, Harris will have ample hold chances and could potentially vulture a save or two, making him a deep season-long asset.
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Will Harris is the latest member of the pitching staff to hit the injured list as a right groin strain will keep him out of action. Harris inked a three-year, $24 million deal ahead of the season after a terrific performance out of the Houston bullpen in 2019 that saw him produce a dazzling 1.50 ERA across 60 innings. Alongside Daniel Hudson and Sean Doolittle, the trio figured to make for a formidable back end of the Washington bullpen in the shortened season. Harris yielded three runs (one earned) in his first 1 innings this year, with his absence paving the way for both Hudson and Doolittle to see increased looks in high leverage situations so long as he is sidelined.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris (abdomen) could throw a bullpen session this weekend. Harris still has time to be ready for the start of the regular season. He posted a pristine 1.50 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 62 K's in 60 innings while saving four games for the Astros last season. The 35-year-old right-hander will serve in a setup role ahead of Daniel Hudson and Sean Doolittle in his first year in Washington. Despite the expected lack of save chances, Harris could still have appeal in deeper leagues for his ratios and holds accumulated.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Will Harris will be re-evaluated in three to four days after tweaking his abdomen recently. Harris was slated to make his spring debut before the injury popped up. For now, it appears to be a minor issue. Harris will be a relief ace for the Nationals this year, but Sean Doolittle figures to get the bulk of save opportunities. If Doolittle falters, however, Harris could be next in line for saves. This draft season, Harris doesn't have much value except as a very late-round option in deeper leagues, but certainly keep an eye on him on waivers should an opportunity arise, assuming this abdominal issue doesn't become something larger.
The Washington Nationals have come to terms with relief pitcher Will Harris on a multi-year contract. Harris was excellent in 2019 with the Astros, pitching 60 innings and posting a 1.50 ERA. His 62:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio was very impressive as well. Harris will likely take on an eighth inning role with his new team, ahead of closer Sean Doolittle.