Papelbon, 35, was 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA and 19 saves for the Nationals this season. But his struggles nearing the non-waiver Trade Deadline forced Washington to acquire closer Mark Melancon from the Pirates.
Papelbon had a 2.56 ERA on July 26, but in his next five appearances, he allowed eight earned runs in 3 1/3 innings. After the team acquired Melancon, Papelbon was primarily used for mop-up duty.
The Nationals acquired Papelbon on July 28, 2015, in a deal which sent right-hander Nick Pivetta to the Phillies. At the time, the Nationals needed a closer because they didn't trust Drew Storen down the stretch. Papelbon didn't get many save opportunities in '15 because the bullpen imploded. Papelbon was also suspended for the final seven games of the season for trying to hit Orioles third baseman Manny Machado with pitch and having an altercation with teammate Bryce Harper in the dugout.
A six-time all-star, Papelbon has has a 2.44 career ERA and 368 saves in 12 seasons with the Red Sox, Phillies and Nationals.
Bill Ladson has covered the Nationals/Expos for MLB.com since 2002 and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the Time. He also can be found on Twitter @WashingNats. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Nats release Papelbon, recall Lopez
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire