Nationals Shuffle Bullpen, Bring Back Alvarez

On April 20th, Washington Nationals keep tweaking their bullpen to stay fresh through injuries and the long grind.

Latest moves and right-hander Paxton sholds down to AAA Rochester, while they brought back lefty Andrew Alvarez to the big club roster.

Earlier injuries hit hard with Ken Waldechut needing Tommy John's surgery and Cole Henry dealing with a rotator cuff strain, forcing early shuffles.

Now they're using Alvarez in a piggyback setup behind Opener PJ Poline and starter Miles Nicholas this Sunday, aiming for that reliable, late inning, arm.

Fans and analysts see this as smart-depth management, especially since Schultz has been solid with a 4.50 ERA over eight innings.

Seven strikeouts and just one walk-best walk-to-strike out ratio among relievers with five or more appearances.

Alvarez, 26 years old, impressed last season with a 2.31 ERA in his first five major league starts and he's posted a 4.66 ERA with 27 strikeouts in the minors this year.

Schultz, claimed off-wavers January 9, missed early action due to injury but should return quick as a key piece.

This keeps the pen flexible heading into the season, hunting that lockdown consistency without burning out arms too soon.

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