Nationals DFA ex-Cardinals 2-time All-Star

The Washington Nationals reportedly designated right-handed pitcher Miles Mikolas for assignment on Wednesday, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. Mikolas, a two-time All-Star, previously pitched for the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Nationals this season. However, things did not go according to plan for Mikolas with the Nationals.

He ended up appearing in 25 total games, 11 of which were starts. The veteran right-handed hurler turned in an ugly 5.82 ERA in his 116 innings of work on the mound.

Mikolas last made an All-Star team in 2022 with the Cardinals. He struggled with St. Louis from 2023-2025, though. With the Nationals deciding to designate the 37-year-old for assignment, it remains to be seen if he will receive another big league opportunity.

Teams that are desperate for pitching help may consider adding Mikolas. While his struggles in recent years are concerning, he is a veteran with a proven track record. Still, bringing in a pitcher who hasn’t recorded an ERA below 4.78 since 2022 would not be the most inspiring move to say the least.

Designating Mikolas for assignment will give the Nationals an opportunity to give younger pitchers opportunities on the big league roster. Washington needs to develop pitching, as its offense has performed well this season. The Nationals, who are currently 59-62 and in fourth place in the National League East standings, could emerge as a contender in future seasons by developing and acquiring reliable pitching.

On Wednesday night, the Nationals will host the Chicago Cubs at 6:45 PM ET.