Nationals sign LHP Andrew Chafin, DFA Colin Poche
The Nats have made a swap of southpaws in their bullpen, signing Andrew Chafin to a Major League contract and designating Colin Poche for assignment.
Chafin, 34, had signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers this spring, and was 2–0 with one save and a 2.13 ERA in 13 games for Triple-A Toledo. He had 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings, in line with his 2024 season where he had 70 K's in 56 1/3 innings for the Tigers and Rangers.
He did have a May 1 opt-out as is standard with Article XX(B) veteran free agents on minor-league deals, and clearly, Detroit chose not to add him to the MLB roster.
For his career, Chafin has a 3.42 ERA and a 9.83 K/9 in 601 games with the Tigers, Rangers, Brewers, Athletics, Cubs, and Diamondbacks.
Poche, 31, made the Nats as a non-roster spring invitee but had a rough start to the season, allowing 11 earned runs over 8 2/3 innings (an 11.42 ERA) in 13 appearances. He also issued 12 walks and allowed 10 hits for an unsightly 2.538 WHIP.
The Nationals will now place Poche on waivers, and if he is not claimed, they can release him or attempt to outright him to Triple-A, an assignment he can refuse and become a free agent.
