PHILADELPHIA -- Sammy Solis knew a roster move was coming in order for the Nationals to activate Jeremy Hellickson from the disabled list to start Saturday, and he had run through the potential scenarios in his head. Still, he admitted to being surprised Saturday afternoon with the news the Nationals optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse to clear room on the roster.
Washington had been carrying nine relievers in its bullpen, but the only one with options available was Solis. So, instead of designating a reliever for assignment and risking losing them to another club, they decided to option Solis -- one of the arms they have relied upon most heavily.