Trevor Williams

Williams needed just 49 pitches (34) strikes to navigate four nearly-flawless frames and close out the Blue Jays after Kumar Rocker and Tyler Alexander handled the opening five innings. The 34-year-old veteran latched on with the Rangers earlier this month after being cut loose by the Nationals. He’s posted a solid 2.89 ERA across 9 1/3 innings of work since September 1.

Williams was waived by the Nationals last week. The 34-year-old has a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings out of the bullpen since returning from elbow surgery last month.

The move makes room for waiver claim Matt Waldron on the active roster. Williams had posted a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings out of the pen since returning from elbow surgery last month, but since he’s 34 and a free agent at season’s end, the Nationals decided to take a look at someone younger.

Williams had internal brace elbow surgery last July, so it’s been a little over a year since he’s been on the mound for the Nationals. He struggled in 82 2/3 innings for the Nationals last year, but was a dependable pitcher for them in 2024.

It’s a bit unclear how Williams fits into Washington’s second-half pitching plans, but he’s getting close to making it back. The 34-year-old has made it through four rehab starts as he continues working his way back from last year’s internal brace procedure.

Williams underwent an internal brace procedure on his UCL in July. It sounds like he’ll have a chance to return at some point this season, possibly by June or July. He made 25 throws at 60 feet in his first official action since surgery.

Williams is still in the process of recovering from an internal brace procedure that he underwent in July and will miss at least the first month or two of the 2026 season. By placing him on the 60-day injured list, the club freed up a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of Andre Granillo on Tuesday.