The Nationals made two roster moves on Wednesday, and the one involving Max Kranick may end up mattering a lot more than the one that sent Drew Millas to the injured list.
Millas was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to July 12, with a left index finger fracture. The move comes after a rough offensive stretch for the backup catcher, who has hit .185/.277/.262 with two home runs, six extra-base hits and 11 RBIs in 50 games. He has been better behind the plate, though, posting a plus-four in framing and plus-three in run value.
At the same time, Washington brought Kranick back from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-Day IL. That gives the Nationals a live arm they’ve clearly been waiting on, and one they believe can be a real piece of the bullpen.
Kranick signed a major league deal on May 5 even though he was still working back from the flexor tendon surgery he had in August 2025. The team’s interest in him was obvious from the start. Before the injury, he put together a 3.65 ERA in 24 outings last season, striking out 25 and walking only five over 37 innings.
His rehab work had mixed results, but now he’s in position to make his Washington debut and give this relief group a needed boost.
Millas’ injury also opens the door behind the plate. He came out of spring training as Keibert Ruiz’s backup, but the Nationals have still gotten below-average production from the catcher spot. Ruiz has bounced back, yet Washington still ranks No. 14 in the majors in wRC+ at 85 and No. 17 in fWAR at 1.7.
That’s why Harry Ford suddenly looks like a name to watch. The star catching prospect, ranked No. 7 in the system, came over in an offseason trade with the Seattle Mariners and was expected to be the catcher of the future.
The Nationals sent him to Triple-A to get everyday reps, but he hasn’t produced the way he has in the past. Even so, this could be the opening for his major league debut after the All-Star break.
Riley Adams is also in the mix as a possible replacement for Millas. He has more experience in the backup role, and Washington may decide Ford still needs more time in the minors. Which way the new regime goes is still unclear, but Adams would not be a surprise if he gets the call instead.
The Nationals also lost left-handed pitcher Matt Krook earlier in the break, after he chose free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester. He had begun the season with the Athletics before hitting the market again.
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