Cabrera out of rotation; Stammen to get start Thursday

The Nationals have decided to take right-hander Daniel Cabrera out of the rotation and make him a long man out of the bullpen. Cabrera’s inability to throw strikes is the reason for the demotion.

Cabrera is 0-5 with a 5.95 ERA and leads the National League in walks [32] and wild pitches [nine].  

Washington wants Cabrera to work on his delivery with pitching coach Randy St. Claire. When he has a quick delivery, Cabrera is able is able to throw strikes. When he slows it down, Cabrera has a tendency to walk too many batters. 

“We spoke to Daniel yesterday and we hope to relax him [in the bullpen] so he can continue to work [with Randy] and earn his way back in the rotation,” manager Manny Acta said.

With Cabrera out of the rotation, right-hander Craig Stammen will get the start against the Pirates on Thursday. It will be Stammen’s Major League debut. Stammen, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, was 4-2 with a 1.80 ERA for Triple-A Syracuse.  

With on Stammen on the roster, it means the Nationals’ rotation is filled with second year players and rookies.