The Washington Nationals took the final step toward released the player they designed for assignment to make room for a new pitcher.
The Washington Nationals had to make space on their 40-man roster after signing pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara. On Tuesday, they took further action.
According to MASN Sports and other sources, the Nationals placed left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa on unconditional release waivers. Once this process is completed, La Sorsa will become a free agent.
Washington had designated him for assignment when they finalized the Ogasawara signing. After a player is designated for assignment, the team typically has seven days to trade or waive the player. If the Nationals are requesting his waiver, it indicates they were unable to find a trade partner.
La Sorsa appeared in 16 games out of the Washington Nationals’ bullpen last season but didn’t earn a decision. He posted a 4.58 ERA, striking out 14 batters and walking five in 17.2 innings.
Most of the year was spent with Triple-A Rochester, with his promotion coming on August 17.
The 26-year-old right-hander had a split 2023 season between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Nationals. In two appearances with Tampa Bay, he didn’t factor into a decision and recorded a 2.08 ERA.
After the Rays designated him for assignment to make room for pitcher Shawn Armstrong, the Nationals claimed him off waivers on June 8 and sent him to Rochester. After being promoted, La Sorsa pitched in 23 games, finishing with a 1-0 record and a 4.76 ERA. He struck out 25 batters and walked five over 28.1 innings.
The Mount Kisco, N.Y., native played college baseball at St. John’s and was drafted by the Rays in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. In addition to working through the minor leagues, he also competed in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with the Italian national team.
The Nationals have signed the 27-year-old Shinnosuke Ogasawara to a two-year deal. Over his nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan, he posted a 46-65 record with a 3.62 ERA and 757 strikeouts. He was named an NPB All-Star in 2023. Ogasawara also helped Japan earn a silver medal at the 2015 Under-18 Baseball World Cup in Osaka.
Washington plans to use him as a potential starter in their rotation.
The Nationals will report to spring training next month in West Palm Beach, Fla., with pitchers and catchers due to report on February 12 and position players on February 18.
