2025 Transactions: Nathaniel Lowe, Carlos Carrasco DFA’d

The roster shuffle in the NL East continued on August 14. Washington designated Nathaniel Lowe, one of their notable additions this past winter, for assignment during a year where he’s poised to have career-low numbers in several categories. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Carlos Carrasco’s time with the Braves is likely over.

Lowe cut by the Nationals

The Nationals officially designated Nathaniel Lowe for assignment on August 14, a move made to activate Dylan Crews. Washington, under the previous leadership of Mike Rizzo, acquired Lowe last winter for reliever Robert Garcia.

Lowe’s numbers have been subpar since the second half, as the 30-year-old slashed .160/.284/.280 (.564 OPS) with five extra-base hits across 88 plate appearances. That OPS figure put him in the bottom 20 of the league among players with 10 or more games played in that span.

Josh Bell has outplayed him, as the veteran 1B/DH slashed .279/.417/.500 (.917 OPS) with four home runs since the Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.

Despite a .227 average in the first half, Lowe did hit for pop overall, with 14 home runs across 402 plate appearances. His 4.7 Barrel/PA this season would be his best since the 2022 campaign.

Lowe’s continued to work counts. However, his .292 on-base percentage would be the worst of his career.

Since Lowe has over five years of Major League experience, the soon-to-be former National can reject any demotion to the Minors — he has one option remaining — and instead head to free agency.

However, since Lowe doesn’t reach six years of service time this season, the 30-year-old will be eligible for arbitration after this season.

Carrasco DFA’d by Braves

The Braves DFA’d Carlos Carrasco on the 14th.

Carrasco made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster as the defending AL champions were down numerous arms, including Gerrit Cole & Luis Gil. He gave up 39 hits, seven of which were home runs, with the Yankees before joining the team’s Triple-A affiliate.

Atlanta acquired both him and Erick Fedde in late July, moves designed to add warm bodies to a depleted rotation. It didn’t go well with the Braves, either, as he surrendered seven home runs and posted a 9.88 ERA across 13.2 IP.

It’s been a steady decline for Carrasco, who’s seen his stuff wane over the last few seasons. Carrasco averaged a tick above 93 MPH three years ago with the Mets but just 91.4 MPH this season with the four-seamer. He’s weaned himself off that four-seamer considerably over the years, leaning more on his sinker.

Another alarming aspect of his game has been his inability to land his slider in good places, habitually finding the middle of the plate too much. Opposing batters hit .333 off the slider with 10 extra-base hits.