Nationals Claim Wyatt Mills

The Nationals announced that they have claimed right-hander Wyatt Mills off waivers from the Dodgers and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported the claim prior to that announcement. Los Angeles designated him for assignment three days ago. Washington had a couple of 40-man vacancies and won’t need to make a corresponding move. The Nats also announced that outfielder Joey Wiemer, who was placed on release waivers earlier this week, has cleared and is now a free agent.

Mills, 31, began the season with the Dodgers on a minor league deal. That club selected his contract in May. The sidearmer was shuttled between Triple-A and the majors for a few months, making six scattered appearances in the big leagues. He allowed four earned runs and struck out five while working around nine walks, hitting two batters and throwing a wild pitch. He now has a 6.14 earned run average in 48 1/3 big league innings.

The Nats are presumably more interested in his minor league numbers. Mills has thrown 37 1/3 Triple-A innings this year with a 2.41 ERA. His 11.5% walk rate in that sample is on the high side but he has punched out 33.1% of batters faced and induced grounders on 42.7% of balls in play.

Mills is in his final option year, so he’ll be out of options next season. For now, the Nats can get a close-up look at him. They could keep him in Tripe-A, try him out in the big league bullpen or shuttle him back and forth as needed.