Grace spent parts of five seasons in the majors with the Nationals, recording a career 4.29 ERA. He wasn't at that level last season, stumbling to a 6.36 ERA in 46.2 innings for the Nats.

Grace was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Friday, and after going unclaimed on waivers, he'll head to Washington's Triple-A affiliate.

Grace has endured a rough second half with a 7.42 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 14 outings, so he'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster with Roenis Elias (hamstring) and Hunter Strickland (paternity) rejoining the team. Grace could remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Grace is making his first start since 2017 but does not figure to go more than two innings, which is the most he's gone all season. In 39 innings out of the bullpen in 2019, Grace is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA and a 27:8 K:BB. Joe Ross will serve as the primary pitcher once Grace is removed from the game.