Overview
- The Nationals requested unconditional release waivers for Fernández on Wednesday after designating him for assignment the prior week.
- Because Fernández was on the minor-league injured list, MLB rules prevented Washington from outright assigning him and forced the team to seek a release or a trade partner.
- Fernández has pitched in parts of three major-league seasons but logged only 15 2/3 innings, in which he allowed 12 earned runs, 15 hits and struck out 12 batters.
- His career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries, including a UCL tear after the 2017 Rule 5 Draft pick and multi-year gaps that limited his development.
- Following the release Fernández can sign with any club and commonly could re-sign with the Nationals on a minor-league deal while teams evaluate his medical status and performance risk.