Nationals claim Justin Lawrence off waivers from Twins, prompting corresponding DFA

The Washington Nationals have claimed right-hander Justin Lawrence off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, the teams announced on June 24. The move gives Washington another pitching option as it continues to manage its active roster and depth needs through the middle of the season.

According to the report, Minnesota had designated Lawrence for assignment shortly before the Nationals stepped in. Because Lawrence is out of options, Washington will need to decide on an active-roster spot once he reports, rather than relying on additional minor-league flexibility.

In a corresponding transaction, Washington designated right-hander Jhancarlos Lara for assignment to clear a roster space for the player it claimed. The move underscores how waiver claims often come with immediate downstream consequences for roster planning, especially when options and active-roster constraints limit the ability to shuttle pitchers between levels.

Lawrence’s waiver claim also reflects the practical nature of midseason roster building. Teams that DFA players typically do so after evaluating usage, roster needs, and how a player fits both short-term and longer-term plans. For the Nationals, adding a pitcher claimed off waivers can be a comparatively low-cost way to refresh the bullpen or rotation depth, though the claim itself does not guarantee a defined role.

The Twins’ decision to designate Lawrence for assignment suggests Minnesota was willing to move on, at least procedurally, after listing him for waivers. If he clears any future steps without a return to Washington’s roster, it will still count as a meaningful organizational decision for Minnesota, given that being out of options typically heightens the stakes of any waiver movement.

For now, the immediate watch item is how the Nationals will deploy Lawrence once he arrives. With the player out of options, the club’s plan for his first few appearances and whether he is kept on the active roster will likely shape Washington’s next bullpen and roster moves.

Meanwhile, Lara’s designation for assignment places him in the waiver and roster-removal pipeline, creating an additional decision point for Washington. If he is claimed or clears waivers, the Nationals’ pitching depth picture could change again quickly, which is often the case during periods when clubs reshuffle pitching talent.