The Washington Nationals on Friday selected the contract of veteran left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove, a move announced by President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni. The transaction came the same day the club transferred right-hander Jake Irvin to the 60-day Injured List and placed righty Brad Lord on the 15-day IL, retroactive to July 6, with left-side tightness.
Cosgrove brings experience and strikeout ability
Cosgrove, 30, joins the Nationals after a brief stop in Rochester, where he struck out the side in his lone inning there on July 5 against Lehigh Valley. The left-hander was acquired by Washington on July 3 in a cash transaction from the Houston Astros organization.
Before the trade, Cosgrove had spent the season with Triple-A Sugar Land in the Astros system. His work there included:
- 2-1 win-loss record
- 4.30 ERA in Triple-A action
- 29 strikeouts in 29.1 innings
- Opposing batting average of .206
- 22 scoreless outings in 29 appearances
Major League background
Cosgrove has reached the majors in parts of three seasons, pitching for the San Diego Padres (2023-24) and the Chicago Cubs (2025). Across his Major League career he has appeared in 74 games, totaling 70.0 innings with 62 strikeouts and a 3.86 ERA. His 2023 season featured a notably low 1.75 ERA (10 ER in 51.1 IP), one of the better numbers among relievers that year and among left-handed bullpen arms.
| Level | Record | ERA | IP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple-A (Sugar Land) | 2-1 | 4.30 | 29.1 | 29 |
| Major Leagues (career) | 1-3 | 3.86 | 70.0 | 62 |
Roster and roster implications
The roster moves free up space while increasing left-handed bullpen options for manager and pitching staff. The Nationals' announcements did not include a timeline for Irvin's return; moving him to the 60-day IL opens a longer-term absence on the pitching staff.
Brad Lord's placement on the 15-day IL was made retroactive to July 6 and listed the ailment as left-side tightness. The team did not provide additional medical details with the transaction notice.
Cosgrove, a native of Staten Island, New York, was originally drafted by San Diego in the 12th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Manhattan College. The club's acquisition of his contract adds a left-handed option with Triple-A and Major League experience as the Nationals navigate the middle of the season.
Fans can expect the roster to be updated on the club's official site and at Nationals Park as the team continues its schedule. The organization’s front office announced the moves; no further comments were provided in the team release.
