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Washington Nationals Prospect Ryan Perry Will Transition To Starting Pitcher

The Nationals are beginning the process of transitioning prospect Ryan Perry to a starting pitcher. Can the Nationals add another strong arm to their rotation?

By Tim Blank
May 1, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Ryan Perry (45) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. The Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE
May 1, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Ryan Perry (45) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. The Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

The Washington Nationals have made their bones this season on their starting pitching. They may soon have another arm to throw into that rotation. Reliever Ryan Perry, who has made seven appearances for the Nationals this season, will begin the transition to become a starting pitcher, according to an article by MASN's Byron Kerr.

"We like his size," [Nationals director of player development Doug] Harris said. "We like his athleticism. He has an ease to his delivery. We feel like, with Ryan, we have a chance to take a step back in order to take two steps forward. Perry throws 90-96 mph fastball with good angle. Harris said Perry "has a power breaking ball. He has a changeup and curveball that as a reliever he didn't get to utilize significantly."

Perry was sent down to AAA Syracuse at the beginning of June and has made three relief appearances for the Chiefs since moving down. Harris says that the biggest part of the transition for Perry will be working on his control and his delivery.

"The thing we are going to try to capitalize on is creating a delivery that is a very repeatable delivery," Harris said. "With that, we hope that he can continue to hone his command and continue to develop his repertoire with all three pitches."

In the seven appearances by Perry, he pitched eight innings, struck out three batters and got credit for a win against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 4.