Call to the pen
Fansided

The Washington Nationals Bullpen may be their Achilles Heel

By Steve Herl

Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Shawn Kelley (27) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Shawn Kelley (27) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest question mark in the off-season for the Washington Nationals was thought to be who would be the closer.  However the entire bullpen appears to be a real problem for the defending Eastern Division Champions.

If the first seven games of the season have shown us anything it is that Washington Nationals bullpen is potentially a real weakness.  While the starting rotation looks good if not excellent, the bullpen has been at best ineffective and honestly just plain bad. Through seven games the Nationals Bullpen has surrendered a total of 18 earned runs in 24 1/3 innings for an ERA of 6.66.  The average ERA for the ten bullpens that made the postseason in 2016 was 3.64.  Only two teams, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers made the postseason with a bullpen ERA over 4.00.

Most troubling is the stable of left-handers the Nationals have assembled. The Washington Nationals Bullpen Includes three lefties in 2017. The southpaws are Oliver Perez (11.57), Sammy Solis (9.00), and newcomer Enny Romero (11.57).  These three left-handers have given up 9 earned runs in 7 2/3 innings of work for a combined ERA of 10.58.  The trio has surrendered 15 hits and 3 walks as well for a combined WHIP of 2.34.  More troubling than the early season stats is the eye test.  Hitters do not look uncomfortable against any of the lefties in the Washington Nationals Bullpen.

The right-handers in the Washington Nationals Bullpen are Matt Albers, Joe Blanton, Koda Glover, Shawn Kelly and Blake Treinen. The last three are closer options with Blake Treinen named as the current closer. In the first seven games, the right handed relievers have pitched a total of 16 2/3 innings while giving up 9 earned runs for a 5.67 ERA. As the closer, Treinen has 3 saves but an 8.10 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP. Monday, Shawn Kelly served as the designated closer and gave up 2 hits including a home run when the Nationals scored 7 runs in the bottom of the 8th to turn 2 run lead into a 9 run lead.

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