Nationals Make Roster Move Ahead of Astros Game

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Nationals Make Roster Move Ahead of Astros Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 6:41 PM ET

The Washington Nationals made a bullpen move Monday before opening their series against the Houston Astros , recalling right-hander Cole Henry from Triple-A Rochester.

To clear a spot on the active roster, Washington optioned right-hander Eddy Yean to Rochester after Sunday's 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move gives the Nationals a fresh relief arm following a taxing weekend for the bullpen.

Henry, 26, was selected by Washington in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of LSU and made his major league debut in April 2025. He returns after spending the past month refining his arsenal at Triple-A.

The Nationals have recalled Cole Henry from Triple-A Rochester.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) July 6, 2026

Henry made 10 relief appearances for Washington earlier this season, going 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA, a 1.67 WHIP and 13 strikeouts across 12 innings.

He found much more success with Rochester, posting a 2.81 ERA, a 0.81 WHIP and a 1-0 record over 16 relief appearances. The Nationals optioned him on June 7 to continue developing before bringing him back this week.

The move also comes after Washington's bullpen was stretched during Sunday's loss, creating an immediate need for another available reliever entering the Astros series.

Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera (10)Anna Carrington-Imagn Images

Henry is expected to fill a middle-relief role while the Nationals continue evaluating young pitching options ahead of the July trade deadline. Washington has used several roster moves throughout the season to rotate fresh bullpen arms onto the active roster.

The Nationals will look for Henry to provide quality innings as they begin an important interleague series against Houston and continue pushing to stay in the National League Wild Card race.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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