Overview
- The Nationals claimed right‑hander Justin Lawrence off waivers on June 24, 2026 and designated Jhancarlos Lara for assignment to clear a 40‑man roster spot.
- Lawrence has no minor‑league options, so he must be placed on the major‑league roster immediately, which reduces Washington’s short‑term roster flexibility.
- Statistically Lawrence has struggled this season, posting an 8.04 ERA in 28 innings between Pittsburgh and Minnesota, but his high BABIP and low strand rate suggest some poor luck.
- Scouting shows a clear upside: a mid/upper‑90s fastball from a sidearm slot and a low‑80s sweeper that whiffs at a high rate, but his walk and home‑run rates are real control concerns.
- Jhancarlos Lara, who had not yet debuted in the majors, was DFA’d in the corresponding move and will likely pass through waivers or be claimed as teams weigh his elite velocity against chronic command issues.