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Washington Nationals reliever A.J. Cole was designated for assignment on Friday. Right-hander Carlos Torres had his contract purchased from Triple-A Syracuse to take his place. Cole began the season as the team's fifth starter. But he faltered in his outings and could not be sent down because he was out of options. In his last appearance, he gave up a grand slam to Yoenis Cespedes in relief. Cole will likely find a spot on another team and it remains to be seen if he'll continue to be a starter or move to the bullpen. Torres gives the Nationals a fresh bullpen arm after a grueling series with the Mets. He'll appear at some point over the weekend in Los Angeles and isn't fantasy relevant.

Cole was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Friday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

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The Washington Nationals have designated starting pitcher A.J. Cole for assignment and purchased the contract of reliever Carlos Torres from Triple-A. Cole has struggled during his time in the major leagues, pitching to a 5-8 record with a 5.32 ERA and a 102/48 K/BB ratio. Cole is a former top prospect, meaning that teams could take a chance on him. However, for now he remains well off the fantasy radar, especially with the Nationals removing him from their 40-man roster.

Cole (1-1) was credited with his first win of the season in Monday's 8-6 victory over the Mets despite allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning of relief. He struck out one.

Cole won't start Monday's game against the Mets, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Cole allowed two runs on three hits and two walks across 5.1 innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Braves. He struck out five.

Cole (0-1) allowed 10 runs on 10 hits and three walks while taking the loss in Tuesday's start against the Braves. He struck out four.

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Washington Nationals starter A.J. Cole was bombarded by the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. He gave up 10 ER on 10 hits over 3 2/3 innings. He also struck out four batters, but walked three. The only bright spot was the home run he hit in the second inning off starter Julio Teheran. Cole is likely headed back to the minors after this disastrous outing. Jeremy Hellickson is being stretched out and the Nationals will likely give him a long look given his experience. Cole can be ignored in all formats.

Cole will make the fifth start of the season for the Nationals on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Cole gave up three runs on five hits and five walks over four innings while striking out three in Friday's split-squad game against the Astros.

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole was named as the team's fifth starter to open the season. Cole was out of options and the only real challenger to his slot was Jeremy Hellickson, who was signed last week. Hellickson will be stretched out for a while in the minors to start the season giving Cole a chance to prove himself. Over three spring starts, Cole has struck out 13 batters over 13 innings, but allowed three runs in four innings on Friday. He also issued an uncharacteristic five walks and punched out three. He was once considered a top prospect and, assuming Friday was an outlier, could be a surprising final-round draft flyer since he'll have the formidable Nationals lineup providing run support for him.

Cole will start the 2018 campaign as the Nationals' fifth starter, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole still looks like he will be in the running for the fifth starting pitching slot, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. The team added veteran Jeremy Hellickson on a minor league deal, but general manager Mike Rizzo said about Cole: "He's going to make the team." Rizzo also said that Hellickson is "way behind," but that he will compete for the fifth spot. Cole has gained weight in the offseason in an attempt to increase the mass of his lower body and reduce the stress on his arm, looking to build on a 3.81 ERA in 52 MLB innings last season. He has not been an impact player for fantasy purposes in his brief MLB stints, but he could be worth monitoring, especially in leagues that count wins with that dynamite offense backing him up.

Cole allowed one run on two hits and a walk over four innings while striking out six in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

Cole is a lock to make the Nationals' Opening Day roster, either as a fifth starter or a long reliever, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Cole (illness) has been cleared to start the Nationals' Grapefruit League game Sunday against the Cardinals, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

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Washington Nationals starter A.J. Cole (illness) has recovered from his stomach bug and will pitch "this weekend or Monday," according to manager Dave Martinez. Despite being ill, Cole nonetheless threw a bullpen session off the mound last Monday. He's expected to begin the year as the team's fifth starter. Cole didn't exactly light the league up last season, but he's out of options and was once considered a top prospect for the Nationals. He's interesting because of the fact that he pitches with one of the best offenses in baseball backing him up and could be scooped up with your last pick in any draft.

Cole (illness) is feeling better after throwing a side session Monday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Cole won't start Monday's game against the Tigers due to an illness, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Cole allowed three runs on five hits over three innings while striking out four in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

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Washington Nationals rookie starter A.J. Cole seems to have the fifth spot in the rotation locked down. The Nationals are still in talks with free-agent starter Jake Arrieta, but his price would seem to be too rich for Washington's blood. Fellow prospect Erick Fedde is also in the mix, but unlike him, Cole is out of minor league options. On Thursday, Cole punched out three batters over two innings in his spring debut, walking one and giving up only two hits. His fastball sat at 91-92 mph and his breaking pitches looked sharp. He's also gained weight in the offseason in an attempt to increase the mass of his lower body and reduce the stress on his arm. He hasn't shown much in his brief MLB stints, but he could be worth monitoring, especially in leagues that count wins with that dynamite offense backing him up.

Cole gave up two hits and a walk while striking out three over two shutout innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves.

Manager Dave Martinez said that Cole has the "upper hand" in the battle for fifth spot in the Nationals' rotation, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole has "the upper hand" on the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation if he does what he's capable of, according to manager Dave Martinez. Cole's main competitors for the final rotation spot will be veteran Edwin Jackson and Erick Fedde. Cole was decent in 2017, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, but his strikeout and walk rates left plenty to be desired from fantasy owners. There doesn't appear to be a breakout coming, and Cole would really only be useful as rotation depth in NL-only leagues if he wins the final rotation spot out of camp.

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher A.J. Cole is slotted for the firfth spot in Washington's rotation, but Jon Morosi of MLB.com thinks the Nationals may make a move. One rival team executive mentioned to Morosi that the Nationals are a legitimate suitor for the remaining free-agent starters. The long-standing relationship between agent Scott Boras and the Nationals could play a role, as well, as Boras represents free-agent starter Jake Arrieta. The Nationals may look for a pitcher like Arrieta rather than Cole, who has never pitched more than 52 MLB innings.

Cole (3-5) threw 5.2 innings of one-run ball to earn the win Monday against the Phillies, allowing six hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Cole (2-5) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings in a losing effort against the Dodgers on Saturday.

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Washington Nationals pitcher A.J. Cole is scheduled to pitch on Saturday against Rich Hill and the Dodgers. Cole has not started since September 4, making just six starts this season, and has a 4.30 ERA and 1.57 WHIP this season. He has also walked 21 batters in 37 2/3 innings, leading to many of his problems, and has also allowed six home runs. There is no reason to stream Cole, although the Dodgers are on a cold streak with their bats.

Cole is listed as the Nationals' probable starter for Saturday's game against the Dodgers, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

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A.J. Cole did nothing of note on Monday except provide Giancarlo Stanton with his 53rd home run of the season. In 5 2/3 innings, he gave up two earned runs on Stanton's homer (plus four more hits) while striking out five and walking four. He never had a clean 1-2-3 inning and was buoyed by the three runs the Nationals put up on the board early on before exploding for four more once Cole was gone. Since the Nats aren't bringing back Max Scherzer until he's fully healed and have no other options in the mix (Erick Fedde is out for the season), Cole will probably make another start. Look for him to pitch this weekend against the Phillies in D.C., which makes a decent streaming option.

Cole (2-4) allowed two runs -- just one earned -- on five hits and four walks while striking out five batters through 5.2 innings during Monday's win over Miami.

Cole was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and confirmed as the starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Cole will be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to start Monday's game in Miami, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

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A.J. Cole will kick off the series against the Marlins in Miami on Monday. His last outing on August 25th was the rookie's best yet. He gave up one earned urn on four hits in six innings, while striking out eight and walking four. His four walks aren't ideal and it was against the punchless Mets, but with the division well in hand, the Nationals just need a decent outing from him. Since he'll be facing white-hot Giancarlo Stanton and the Nationals had trouble scoring runs over the weekend, he should be safely ignored. He'll need someone to go on the DL in order for his recall to happen. No word on whether this would be Max Scherzer.

Cole was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse ahead of the Nationals' doubleheader Sunday against the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

Cole (1-4) allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out eight across six innings to take the loss Friday against the Mets.

Cole was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start Friday's game against the Mets, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Cole will be recalled for a spot start against the Mets on Friday, The Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

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Washington Nationals manger Dusty Baker has announced that pitcher A.J. Cole will pitch on Friday versus the Mets in Washington. The spot was rumored to be Max Scherzer's, but he's not ready to return from his neck injury. Cole has been up and down from the minors and hasn't shown anything to be excited about. His WHIP sits at 1.591 and he's only struck out 18 batters in 22 innings while giving up 16 runs. About the only enticing factor is that the Nationals play the Mets, who just lost their best hitter, Michael Conforto, to a shoulder separation. Cole is worth a stream for deep league players only.

A.J. Cole was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Cole (1-3) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks over six innings during Sunday's loss to the Giants. He struck out six and was stuck with the loss.

Cole (lat) will start the first game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

Cole felt his lat tighten up during Tuesday's start, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports. "For the most part everything felt good," Cole said after the game. "In my fifth inning, I struggled getting over my front side a little bit, so my balls didn't have the sharpness they had in the first four innings."

Cole (1-2) allowed four runs on four hits and one walk across five innings in Tuesday's loss to the Marlins. He struck out five.

Cole will remain in the Nationals' rotation this week and make his next start Tuesday against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

Cole was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

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Washington Nationals pitcher A.J. Cole will start Wednesday against the Marlins, filling in for Stephen Strasburg. Cole made a spot start for Washington earlier this year, scattering six hits and one run over six strong frames in a win against the Phillies on May 6. With Strasburg (elbow) aiming to return this weekend, it will probably be one-and-done for Cole in the Nats' rotation. Cole, who has a 5.66 ERA in 16 starts for Class AAA Syracuse, will pitch because reinforcements, Edwin Jackson and Erick Fedde, were already used to replace Strasburg and Joe Ross in the rotation.

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Dusty Baker confirmed that A.J. Cole will make a spot start on Wednesday versus the Marlins in Miami. This will be Cole's second start of the 2017. He previously pitched six innings of one run ball, walking four and striking out two. Cole has given up 56 runs in 82 innings in the minors, though, so he shouldn't be rostered just yet. He's worth monitoring but unlikely to stick in the rotation.

Cole will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and take the mound for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

Cole appears to be the most likely candidate to be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to make a spot start for the Nationals' game Wednesday against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.