Spenser Watkins Inks Minors Pact With Nationals
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.
Source: Andrew Golden
The Washington Nationals have signed right-hander Source: Andrew Golden
Spenser Watkins Designated For Assignment
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).
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Spenser Watkins Sporting A 1.53 ERA In July
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.
Source: ESPN
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Source: ESPN
Spenser Watkins To Be Activated And Optioned To Triple-A
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.
Source: Dan Connolly
The Baltimore Orioles will be activating starting pitcher Source: Dan Connolly
Spenser Watkins To Be Evaluated On Monday
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.
Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Source: Roch Kubatko
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