Weems hoping for longer run with Nationals

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

When Jordan Weems packed up his Airbnb in Rochester, N.Y., he brought one less thing with him this time to D.C. -- the expectations he had placed on himself last season with the Nationals.

“Last year, when I got called up, I was throwing really well in Triple-A,” Weems said. “Looking back on it, I put a little bit too much pressure on myself, thinking I had to come in here and be somebody I’m not, trying to show everybody that I belong here. This time, I feel more comfortable.”

The Nationals recalled the 30-year-old righty reliever from the Red Wings after designating fellow right-hander Andres Machado for assignment. Weems had allowed just one hit and one run across his last six appearances with Rochester, including two saves.

“Most importantly, [I’ve been] getting ahead of guys,” said Weems. “I think that’s the No. 1 thing for me. If I get ahead of guys and stay ahead of them, my stuff works pretty good.”

By now, Weems has gotten accustomed to traveling back and forth between teams.

Last season, he made 32 appearances with the Nationals and 33 with the Red Wings. Weems pitched to a 5.22 ERA in the Majors compared to a 2.70 ERA in Triple-A. Earlier this year, he joined the Nats as the 27th man for their April 29 doubleheader against the Pirates and pitched in both games before returning to Rochester.

Because Weems got the latest news on Monday morning, a Minor League off-day, he had time to drive from Rochester to D.C.. It didn’t take long for him to gather all his belongings, including his must-have golf clubs.

“I’ve gotten it down to a science,” Weems said. “You always pack probably three, four or five collared shirts, always some nicer stuff, some nice slacks, some boots, and then, some leisurewear -- Lululemon, so to say. When you constantly move around, you get used to it.”

Now, the Nationals want Weems to also get used to pitching without trying to be perfect. Manager Dave Martinez sees that translate when Weems is not afraid to throw strike one.

“His stuff is good,” said Martinez. “When he gets into trouble, he overthinks sometimes. So we’ve just got to get him to kind of relax, understand that, ‘This is your time now. You’ve been doing the up-and-down [thing], now’s your time to stick here. All I’m asking you to do is go out there, throw strike one and get outs.’ But I think he’s up for the task.”

Weems is still awaiting his first appearance since rejoining the Nationals. With the team set to face the Braves this weekend, the Columbus, Ga., native will have the opportunity to take the mound in a special setting at Truist Park.

“It’s an emotional thing for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at without my family. My mom and dad, whenever I get to pitch in front of them, it’s always special. … It’s always a pleasure.”

While the bags and golf clubs are ready to go at a moment's notice, Weems' goal it to not have to pack them up again anytime soon.

“All you can do is show up and try to help your team win,” Weems said. “Whether that’s a short stay, long stay -- all that kind of stuff is out of your control at the end of the day. You can only control what you control, and that’s going out there, throwing strikes and letting everything else kind of fall where it may.”