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Nationals shift rotation: Irvin to IL, Poulin recalled.

5/25/2026

46 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Nationals Replace Irvin

The Nationals placed right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin on the injured list with a right shoulder strain.
PJ Poulin was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to replace Irvin in the rotation.
Irvin threw five hitless innings against the Braves before exiting, ending the season 2-4 with a 5.23 ERA, 58 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP in 51.2 innings.

Summary

Irvin Returns

Manager Drew Butera said the MRI confirmed only a strain, so Irvin is expected back by Tuesday.
The Nationals have played 16 straight games without a day off, taxing a bullpen that leads the majors in innings pitched.
The club is considering left-hander Andrew Alvarez (3.18 ERA, 15 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings) for a bulk role and has recalled reliever PJ Poulin from Triple-A Rochester to work in relief.

Summary

Irvin Recovery Outlook

Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com said the MRI results were the best news we could have heard regarding Irvin’s shoulder strain.
Blake Butera told Kyle Williams of TheBanner.com that he expects Irvin’s time on the injured list to be the minimum length allowed.
The article, dated 2026-05-24T18:47:19+00:00, lists a Center political leaning and a reliability score of 42.12.
Irvin is 29 years old, a detail noted in the injury timeline.

History

Historical Context

When MLB introduced a 10-day minimum injured list for position players in 2017—replacing the former 15-day rule—and added a 7-day concussion list in 2011, teams gained flexibility to replace injured arms quickly. The Washington Nationals used that flexibility in 2024, placing right-hander Jake Irvin on the IL and recalling reliever PJ Poulin, a move overseen by manager Drew Butera.

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Nationals Replace Irvin

The Nationals placed right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin on the injured list with a right shoulder strain.
PJ Poulin was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to replace Irvin in the rotation.
Irvin threw five hitless innings against the Braves before exiting, ending the season 2-4 with a 5.23 ERA, 58 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP in 51.2 innings.

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