There had been plenty of speculation that the Nationals would take Ivan Rodriguez, arguably the greatest defensive catchers of all time, off the DL in time to catch Stephen Strasburg’s major league debut. A press release from the Nationals organization now confirms that Pudge is off the DL and will be behind the plate on Tuesday.
The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League, recalled from rehab and reinstated catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the 15-Day Disabled List and designated catcher Jamie Burke for assignment. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
That also means that for all the time we have spent talking about Stephen Strasburg’s future with this ball club, he only became a member of the parent club late this afternoon. Either way, Strasburg and his catcher will be ready to go on Tuesday night.