The Nationals reinstated shortstop Trea Turner Friday afternoon, just in time for a three-game visit from the Chicago Cubs.
Turner broke his right index finger on a bunt attempt in the fourth game of the season and has missed the last 43 games recovering. He began a rehab assignment at Single-A Potomac on Tuesday, recording one hit and a walk in eight at-bats over two games. Turner appeared to be nearing a return when he was spotted taking batting practice with the Nats in Los Angeles last week.
The Nats also recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle McGowin from Triple-A Fresno, presumably to replace starter Anibal Sanchez, who was placed on the 10-day Injured List with a left hamstring string, in the back of the rotation. Sanchez was lifted from his start Thursday against the Mets after just 1 1/3 innings after pulling up lame on a pitch in the second inning. Sanchez is 0-6 with a 5.10 ERA in nine starts
McGowin has gone 4-2 with a 4.32 ERA in eight starts at Fresno this season. He's pitched particularly well in his last three starts, allowing just three earned runs for a 1.53 ERA over 17.2 innings.
The Nationals optioned utility infielder Wilmer Difo to Triple-A Fresno. Difo was hitting .231 with two doubles, two homers and seven RBI in 39 games. The Nationals hoped Difo could help them tread water with Turner out, but proved to be a liability on the basepaths and in the field. It's Difo's first trip to the minors since 2017.
The Nationals have elected to keep Adrian Sanchez in the big leagues over Wilmer Difo. Strong sign that the club is stressing base running and defense right now.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) May 17, 2019Follow @ChrisLingebach and @1067TheFan
