Nationals Release Sammy Solis, LHP
The Washington Nationals announced on Saturday that the club had released left-handed, relief pitcher Sammy Solis.
The 30-year old, who had spent his entire major league career with the team, was shocked at the news. The Nats’ second round draft pick in 2010 had pitched well this spring (2.25 ERA in four games), but there were simply too many lefties in the bullpen. Somebody had to go. Solis was the odd man out.
According to Nats’ manager, Dave Martinez, the timing of the release had a lot to do with the club wanting to ensure Solis had time to catch on with another organization before the season began. Financially, the move made sense for Washington, saving the team over $700k in salary.
Solis had spent the last four years at the major league level with the Nationals. Appearing in 141 games, he posted a 5-7 record with a 4.51 ERA. During that time, Solis allowed 121 hits, 68 runs and 14 homers, while walking 56 batters and striking out 136. Solis leaves the Nationals with a WAR of 0.3. (Statistics from Baseball-Reference.com)
