The Washington Nationals may have some reinforcements when the second half opens Friday towards the Athletics.
According to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals plan to recall prime catching prospect Harry Ford from Triple-A Rochester after the All-Star break. He will take the place of backup catcher Drew Millas, who was positioned on the 10-day injured record Wednesday (retroactive to July 12) with a fractured left index finger.
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Ford, 23, was the headliner in an offseason commerce that despatched nearer Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners. The righty-hitting catcher had been a top-five prospect in Seattle’s system since going twelfth total within the 2021 MLB Draft and debuted briefly within the majors final yr. He principally operated as a pinch hitter and defensive alternative, going 1-for-6 in eight plate appearances.
Now the Nationals’ No. 7 prospect, Ford is within the midst of an up-and-down season. He owns a .223/.370/.335 slash line with 4 residence runs and 22 RBI over 58 Triple-A video games however, according to Nusbaum, was taking part in by means of a shoulder damage that hampered his manufacturing.
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Ford’s manufacturing has improved considerably over the previous six weeks. The righty slugger posted an .841 OPS in June and a 1.028 OPS in eight July video games, constantly hitting the ball with extra pressure whereas additionally making higher swing choices. He figures to again up Keibert Ruiz in Millas’ absence.
Millas, 28, is hitting simply .185/.277/.262 by means of 50 video games this season however has been one of many higher receiving catchers in MLB. He at present ranks within the 93rd percentile in framing, in accordance to Statcast.
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In addition to putting Millas on the IL, the Nationals activated right-hander Max Kranick from the 60-day IL on Wednesday. There are actually 13 pitchers on the 26-man roster.
Kranick, 28, has but to seem in a recreation as a National. He was instantly positioned on the IL upon signing with the membership in early May and has spent the previous month on a minor league rehab task.
In 2025, Kranick made 24 aid appearances for the New York Mets, posting a 3.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 25 strikeouts over 37 innings. The right-hander underwent season-ending flexor tendon surgical procedure in July and was non-tendered on the finish of the yr, making him a free agent.
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Kranick cut up his rehab task amongst all 4 of the Nationals’ associates, making a complete of eight appearances between June 21 and July 14. He allowed seven earned runs on 13 hits throughout these outings, recording 11 strikeouts and three walks over 11.2 innings. His fastball sat round 95 mph and reached 97 mph, which is on par along with his averages earlier than the damage.
Washington’s bullpen was among the many league’s worst earlier than the All-Star break, posting a collective 5.07 ERA and an MLB-high 27 blown saves. Kranick will goal to assist stabilize that unit because the Nationals enter the second half sitting simply 4 video games out of the ultimate Wild Card spot within the National League.
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This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.