Espino was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Espino gave up four earned runs on six hits, including two home runs, and a walk in 2.2 innings Friday against the Rockies, so he wouldn't have been available over the rest of the weekend anyway, and his poor performance could have punched his ticket to the minors. Yariel Rodriguez was called up to make his big-league debut in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays selected Espino's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old right-hander will give the Jays a fresh long relief arm, taking Wes Parsons' spot on the roster. Espino has collected a 5.01 ERA in 94 appearances (41 starts) over parts of five major-league seasons.

Espino allowed three runs on six hits over four innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out four without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old right-hander built up to 65 pitches (47 strikes) as the Blue Jays keep their options open for the rotation with both Kevin Gausman (shoulder) and Alek Manoah (shoulder) expected to miss the start of the season. Espino's posted an impressive 16:2 K:BB through 12 innings this spring, but he's served up three homers, including a two-run shot by Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning Saturday. Bowden Francis seems locked into one of the available rotation spots, leaving Mitch White as Espino's main competition for the other.

Espino signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espino was a heavily-used swingman with the Nationals from 2021-22, collecting a 4.56 ERA over 77 appearances (29 starts). In 2023 he spent most of the year at Triple-A Rochester while also missing time with a flexor strain in his right ring finger. The veteran right-hander will turn 37 next month and seems likely to open the 2024 campaign in Triple-A Buffalo's rotation.

The Nationals unconditionally released Espino (finger) on Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espino hadn't started a rehab assignment in the minors since being placed on the 15-day injured list July 19 with a flexor strain in his right ring finger. The injury might not be anything severe enough to keep him out for the remainder of the season, but even once he's healthy, Espino looks like he'll have to find work in a new organization. After posting a 24.75 ERA and 4.25 WHIP in four innings with the big club this season before being deactivated, Espino will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to catcher Israel Pineda (oblique), who was activated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Double-A Harrisburg.

Washington placed Espino on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a flexor strain of his right ring finger, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espino was charged with eight earned runs while recording only one out in his last appearance Tuesday against the Cubs as his season ERA ballooned all the way to 24.75. He'll likely head out on a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment before the Nationals consider him an option again for their major-league bullpen.

Espino allowed eight runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one over one-third of an inning Tuesday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Espino only managed to retire one of the 10 batters he faced to start the eighth inning, surrendering seven singles and a pair of walks in what ended up being an eight-run inning for the Cubs. Though the outing was certainly an outlier, it was largely indicative of Espino's troubles in 2023, as the right-hander allowed three combined runs across his other two MLB appearances this season while owning a 4.33 ERA at the Triple-A level.

Espino was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espino made one appearance for the Nationals last month but has spent the bulk of the year with Rochester, holding a 4.33 ERA in 13 starts. He'll give the bullpen some length over the weekend while Patrick Corbin is on paternity leave.

Washington optioned Espino to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Amos Willingham has joined the Nationals' bullpen in a corresponding roster move. Espino made only one appearance during his brief stay in the bigs.

The Nationals recalled Espino from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espino hasn't been particularly special in Triple-A, accumulating a 4.56 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 49.1 innings across 11 starts. Nonetheless, he'll head to Washington to make his first MLB stint of the season after the Nationals designated Chad Kuhl for assignment Saturday. Espino is capable of starting for the Nationals if necessary, but he's been used more often as a multi-inning reliever throughout his career in the majors.