Washington Nationals Renovate Bullpen with Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson
By Keaton Moore
In an effort to strengthen their bullpen, the Washington Nationals traded Blake Treinen and two prospects for Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson.
The Washington Nationals know that their powerful lineup and impressive rotation make them one of the forerunners to win the National League pennant. Yet, the Nationals are in dyer need of a bullpen renovation and made drastic improvements by acquiring Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson.
Sources: #Nationals acquiring Doolittle and Madson from #Athletics for Treinen and two prospects.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 16, 2017
Thus far, it has been their offense that overshadowed the Nationals serious bullpen issues. Daniel Murphy (.342), Bryce Harper (.327) and Ryan Zimmerman (.327) lead the National League in batting average. Harper is also second in the major leagues in OBP (.434) and fifth in runs scored (72). Meanwhile, Murphy’s 111 hits this season are good for fourth in baseball.
Their well-oiled offense led the Nationals to 16 double-digit victories, including a 23-run massacre of the
.
However, offensive categories are not the only place where the Nationals lead the major leagues. Their battered and underperforming bullpen leads baseball with a monstrous 5.18 ERA. With 14 blown saves, the bullpen’s shortcomings force the starter’s to go the extra mile and their 556 innings of work is the more than any other rotation in baseball.
As reliable as he has been for the Nationals, Treinen played a major role in the team’s bullpen struggles. With two blown saves, Treinen posted a 5.73 ERA in 37.2 innings pitched. Along with Treinen, the Nationals send prospects Jesus Luzardo and Sheldon Neuse to Oakland.
Bullpen redeemers
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Regardless of their age, both Doolittle and Madson join the Nationals after putting together phenomenal seasons for the Athletics while maintaining mid-90s velocity. Doolittle, a 30-year-old left-hander, has been a staple in Oakland’s bullpen since he debuted in 2012. His best came in 2014, where he became an All-Star and posted 22 saves with a 2.73 ERA.
Although a shoulder strain placed him on the disabled list in early-May, Doolittle maintained a 3.38 ERA with three saves in 21.1 innings pitched. His 0.8 BB/9 compliments remarkably well with his 13.08 K/9.
Madson, 36-year-old, joined the Athletics four years after Doolittle, but debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2003. Unlike Doolittle, Madson understands the pressures of the postseason, having championships from 2008 and 2015 with the Kansas City Royals. Despite three blown saves, Madson prides himself on his 2.11 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 38 innings of work.
Next: Triggs out for the year, rotation even more shallow
On top of their obvious value on the mound, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson are signed to extremely affordable deals. While Madson is signed through 2018 and will receive $7.5 million next year, Doolittle’s contract spans through 2020 with team options beginning in 2019.