The Washington Nationals have released pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and recalled pitcher Reynaldo Lopez according the team’s Twitter account.
The Nats have recalled RHP Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse and released RHP Jonathan Papelbon.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 13, 2016
The Washington Nationals Release Jonathan Papelbon
The Nationals needed a spot on the 25-man roster for Reynaldo Lopez who is going to start for them against the Braves on Saturday. Jonathan Papelbon, 35, had recently requested his release from the team according to Jerry Crasnick.
Papelbon has requested his release and #Nationals are trying to figure out best way to do it, industry source says. Could be soon.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 13, 2016
Papelbon was traded to the Nationals from the Philadelphia Phillies for Nick Pivetta before last year’s trade deadline. His stay with the Nationals was anything but successful.
Papelbon’s Forgettable Time in Washington D.C.
Before Jonathan Papelbon came to the Nationals in 2015, he was having a terrific year with the Phillies. He was 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA and 17 saves. During his time as a National, his numbers were worse. He was 2-2 with a 3.04 ERA and only seven saves. Overall he wasn’t terrible, but his presence really hurt the chemistry of the team.
The Nationals were in first place in the National League East with a 52-46 record when they decided to trade for Papelbon. He only agreed to the trade if he got the closer’s spot upon joining the team. As mentioned before he did fine, but Drew Storen, who was the current closer at the time, imploded when he was taken away from the closer’s role. Before Papelbon came, Storen was 29/31 in save opportunities with a 1.73 ERA. In August when the Nationals were still neck-and-neck with the New York Mets, he put up a 8.49 ERA.
Th Fight
The Nationals then ended up being eliminated from playoff contention in September. To add insult to injury, Papelbon got into a fight with Bryce Harper in September when Harper didn’t run out a fly ball. Papelbon also tried to hit Manny Machado with a pitch. He then finished the year on a suspension from both those altercations.
This year the Nationals are doing much better and it looks like they will win their division. Papelbon hasn’t done a lot to contribute, however. He has gone 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA and 19 saves. He lost the closer’s role when the Nationals brought in Mark Melancon before the trade deadline.
Main Photo:
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 30: Jonathan Papelbon #58 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on August 30, 2015 in Washington, DC. Washington won the game 7-4. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
