As expected, the 25-year-old righty was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. There, he can pitch on regular rest every five days until the Nats need him in Washington. Yes, they will need him the moment either A.J. Cole gets into trouble or an injury hits the rotation.
With the signing of Jeremy Hellickson to a minor-league deal, the already long odds for Fedde making the team lengthened. He knew going in the deal when general manager Mike Rizzo stated the fifth starter’s spot was Cole’s before Spring Training.
However, given two starts and four long relief appearances, Fedde showed growth in his game.