The Washington Nationals kicked Jonathan Papelbon out of their closer role when they acquired All-Star Mark Melancon from the Pirates. They have now granted the veteran reliever his wish of being released, doing so on Saturday. Papelbon reportedly requested the release late last week, and the Nats wasted little time grating that wish. Manager Dusty Baker explained the situation by saying "there wasn't a real fit anymore."
The former Red Sox and Phillies closer is now a free agent, but Washington is still responsible for the remaining $11 million left on his contract. The struggling Papelbon went just 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA in 37 appearances this season, and was just 19 of 22 in save opportunities. The nail in the coffin seemed to be when he failed to retire any of the five batters he faced in a 7-6 lost to the Cleveland Indians on July 26th.
Two days before the trade deadline, and just four days after that bad outing, the team acquired Melancon in a deal with Pittsburgh. That pretty much signaled the end for Papelbon, who has made just two appearances since the trade. Both of those outings have come with the game out of reach.
The 12-year veteran has recorded a career-worst in ERA, WHIP, and strikeout-to-walk ratio, but may still have some left in the tank. He has a career record of 41-36 with a 2.44 ERA and 368 saves. His poor attitude has been the only downside to his career, so if he can get that in check, the former All-Star could still be very valuable to a playoff hopeful.
The former Red Sox and Phillies closer is now a free agent, but Washington is still responsible for the remaining $11 million left on his contract. The struggling Papelbon went just 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA in 37 appearances this season, and was just 19 of 22 in save opportunities. The nail in the coffin seemed to be when he failed to retire any of the five batters he faced in a 7-6 lost to the Cleveland Indians on July 26th.
Two days before the trade deadline, and just four days after that bad outing, the team acquired Melancon in a deal with Pittsburgh. That pretty much signaled the end for Papelbon, who has made just two appearances since the trade. Both of those outings have come with the game out of reach.
The 12-year veteran has recorded a career-worst in ERA, WHIP, and strikeout-to-walk ratio, but may still have some left in the tank. He has a career record of 41-36 with a 2.44 ERA and 368 saves. His poor attitude has been the only downside to his career, so if he can get that in check, the former All-Star could still be very valuable to a playoff hopeful.
