In the wake of John Lannan's demotion to AA Harrisburg, Nationals officials are making it clear that the assignment is merely temporary. General Manager Mike Rizzo still remains faithful in Lannan's abilities as a starting pitcher. Via Nationals Journal:
The Nationals hope Lannan returns "as soon as possible," Rizzo said. "Our expectations are he's going to be a consistent performer for us and be a 200-inning type of guy for us. The sooner he irons things out and gets comfortable, the better, when he gets up here and gives us the best chance to win every fifth day."
Pitching coach Steve McCatty believes Lannan's troubles might be mental more than anything else, according to CSN Washington:
“There’s some minor, mechanical things, but not what I would say would be a big, stressful issue for him,” McCatty said. “[It’s] just more to get back to that comfort level where you’re not pressing on every pitch to keep them from hitting the ball, or getting a base hit, or worrying about runs and stuff like that.”
Manager Jim Riggleman wants Lannan to know that his spot will be waiting for him when he's ready to return:
“Basically, he wants the reassurance that it’s not going to be an out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing,” manager Jim Riggleman said. “That certainly won’t be the case. We’ll be looking for him to get back here quick.”
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