PHILADELPHIA -- The Nationals optioned outfielder Michael Taylor to Triple-A Syracuse in order to make room for Jeremy Guthrie, their starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Phillies.
Guthrie made his Nationals debut on his 38th birthday, marking the first time he has appeared in the Majors since 2015. He entered Nationals camp as a non-roster invitee and impressed the team enough to earn this spot start.
Initially, right-hander Joe Ross had been slated to be in the Nationals' rotation before he was optioned to the Minors before the start of the season so the team could carry an extra bench player.