Nationals reactivate right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams to face Cubs

CHICAGO — The Washington Nationals reactivated Trevor Williams before Friday afternoon's game at Chicago, and the right-hander was set to make his first start since May 30 against the Cubs and Jameson Taillon.

The 32-year-old Williams was off to the best start of his nine-year career — 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 11 games — when he went on the 60-day injured list on June 4 with a right flexor muscle strain.

Manager Dave Martinez didn't offer specifics, but said he'd keep a close eye on Williams' mechanics and workload.

“We'll see how far we can get him out there,” Martinez said. “We're going to keep him limited, but we're going to let him go. He said he's ready.

“For the most part, it's just getting the ball down and locating his fastballs.”

To make room on the roster, Washington optioned reliever Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. Additionally, the Nationals transferred right-hander Joan Adon to the 60-day injured list.

Williams made two rehab starts with Double-A Harrisburg, tossing 7.1 innings across two starts on Sept. 10 and 15. Williams is 49-54 in 200 career games and 11-10 with a 4.61 ERA in two seasons with the Nationals.