Nationals' Jake Irvin Lands on IL

Irvin started yesterday for the Nationals against the Atlanta Braves, but departed after tossing five hitless innings. The game was notably paused in the middle of the second inning due to a rain delay, but Irvin still came out after the rain was gone in what ended up being a 2-0 win for the Nats.

The right-hander has made 11 starts this season for Washington, posting a 2-4 record with a 5.23 ERA, 58 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.35 across 51.2 innings pitched. After tossing one of his better starts of the season, Irvin is now not expected to be back anytime soon for a Nationals pitching staff that has been the team's biggest weakness this season.

Entering Sunday, the Nationals have a 4.96 team ERA, which is ranked 18th in Major League Baseball. Their rotation, in particular, has struggled. Miles Mikolas has a 6.17 ERA through 11 starts and Zack Littell has logged a 5.83 ERA in the seven starts he has made this year. Left-hander Foster Griffin has also struggled over his last two starts for the Nats. After allowing a combined 14 earned runs over his past two outings, Griffin's ERA has ballooned from 2.12 to 4.02.

The Nationals, though, have seen Cade Cavalli step up huge for their beleaguered staff this year. Through 11 starts, Cavalli has a 3.86 ERA with 61 punchouts and a WHIP of 1.43 in 53.2 innings pitched.

With Irvin now on the IL, it may not be until after the All-Star break that the Nationals get their right-hander back.