Nationals Release Julian Fernandez After Pitcher Clears Waivers Process

The Washington Nationals made a roster decision involving right-handed pitcher Julian Fernandez, officially releasing him after he went unclaimed on waivers. The move ends Fernandez’s latest stint with the organization after the team previously designated him for assignment and removed him from its 40-man roster.

Fernandez’s situation was complicated by an injury that kept him on the minor league injured list with Triple-A Rochester at the time of the roster move. Because of the injury status, the Nationals were unable to simply send him outright to the minors and instead explored trade possibilities before ultimately moving forward with his release.

The 30-year-old pitcher has spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues, including appearances during the 2026 season. However, his opportunities at the highest level have been limited, with injuries and inconsistent performance preventing him from establishing a permanent role.

Despite the recent setback, Fernandez’s career has included several moments where he appeared to have significant potential. His journey through multiple organizations and injuries has created a complicated path for a pitcher who was once viewed as an intriguing young arm.

1. Nationals Move On After Waiver Process

Washington initially attempted to find a trade partner after designating Fernandez for assignment. The team hoped another organization might have interest in adding the veteran pitcher, but no agreement was reached. Once Fernandez passed through waivers without being claimed, the Nationals gained the ability to release him. The decision allowed the organization to open a roster spot while moving forward with its current pitching plans. The move reflects the difficult decisions teams often face when managing injured players and roster flexibility. Organizations must balance patience with injured talent while also creating opportunities for other players within the system. For Fernandez, the release represents another challenge in a career that has already included multiple setbacks. After years of battling injuries and trying to regain consistency, he will now look for his next opportunity outside Washington.

2. Fernandez’s Major League Career Has Been Limited

Although Fernandez has reached the major leagues, his time at that level has been brief. Across his MLB appearances, he has pitched only 15 2/3 innings while allowing 14 runs, including 12 earned runs, during his limited opportunities. His major league numbers also include 15 hits allowed, eight walks, and 12 strikeouts. One of the biggest issues has been the long ball, as five of the hits he surrendered at the MLB level were home runs. Those results have made it difficult for Fernandez to secure a consistent role. However, his career cannot be judged solely by his limited major league sample, especially considering the injuries and interruptions that affected his development. At various points, Fernandez showed the ability to miss bats and compete effectively in the minor leagues. His challenge has been maintaining that success while staying healthy and earning consistent opportunities.

3. A Career Defined By Potential And Setbacks

Fernandez was once considered a promising prospect early in his career. The San Francisco Giants selected him from the Colorado Rockies in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft after an impressive season in the lower levels of the minor leagues. However, his progress was immediately disrupted when he suffered a UCL injury during spring training, causing him to miss the entire season. Afterward, he moved through several organizations, including the Miami Marlins and Rockies, while attempting to rebuild his career. Long stretches away from the mound slowed his development. Injuries and the canceled 2020 minor league season contributed to Fernandez spending multiple years without significant minor league action. When he returned in 2021, Fernandez showed signs of his earlier promise. He posted a 2.53 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A while recording strong strikeout numbers, eventually earning his major league debut that season.