Washington Nationals bringing in the bullpen cart

PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 06: Collin McHugh #31 and Brad Peacock #41 of the Houston Astros take a ride in the bullpen cart prior to the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 6, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 06: Collin McHugh #31 and Brad Peacock #41 of the Houston Astros take a ride in the bullpen cart prior to the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 6, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

The bullpen cart is coming back in another place, as the Washington Nationals will unveil their transport on Friday.

The bullpen cart is making a comeback. Earlier this year, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers brought back the staple of the 1970s and 1980s, to the delight of the multitudes. After lobbying by reliever Sean Doolittle, the Washington Nationals have joined that duo.

On Friday, the Nationals will unveil their bullpen cart, which will be sponsored by WGL Energy. And, if Doolittle is summoned into the game tomorrow, it may well get some action.

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The return of the bullpen cart has been an interesting side note to the 2018 campaign. In the quest to accelerate the pace of the game, a part of the past has come back to life. Nostalgia is slowly winning out, even if the players themselves are loath to embrace the return of the cart.

And yet, this may be what the game needs. The bullpen cart was immensely popular during its heyday, something that the fans enjoyed. It could also remain useful these days, hastening the time that it takes to bring a reliever into the game. After all, every second counts when it comes to the pace of play according to Rob Manfred.

Perhaps the return of the bullpen cart can be a part of the solution. Even though they have not been in widespread use this season, every time a team adds one to their bullpen brings thee novelties a step closer to a truly glorious return. Besides, depending on how often a team goes to the bullpen, sponsorship on these vehicles could be rather lucrative. Just imagine how many people would see and hear the name of whatever sponsor on a team like the Royals, Orioles, or Rockies, given the state of their pitching.

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The bullpen cart is slowly coming back. The Washington Nationals, on Friday, will become the third team to bring the past come alive.