Call to the pen
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Washington Nationals taking chance on Carl Edwards Jr.

By David Hill

Jun 6, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. (43) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Sahlen Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. (43) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Sahlen Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals desperately need to find answers in their bullpen. Their relief corps has been an ongoing problem over the past few seasons; even when the Nationals won the World Series, they needed to completely overhaul their bullpen in the middle of the year. That did not work nearly as well in 2020 or 2021.

Naturally, the Nationals are looking to find anything close to competent to fill out their bullpen. That quest has led to Carl Edwards Jr., who has reportedly signed a minor league deal to come to Washington.

Washington Nationals giving Carl Edwards Jr. a chance

Edwards struggled in his seven major league outings last year with the Braves and Blue Jays. He allowed a total of seven runs on 11 hits and three walks in his 5.2 innings, striking out six batters. He was let go by both the Braves and Blue Jays, eventually signing with the White Sox, but failed to return to the majors.

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It has been a difficult few years for Edwards. He has battled injuries, having shoulder, forearm, and oblique issues which may have contributed to his struggles in the majors. As it is, he has appeared in just 34 games over the past three years as he has bounced between six organizations since the 2019 trade deadline.

There was a time when Edwards was a solid reliever for the Cubs. He became a key part of the Cubs’ bullpen from 2016 through 2018, posting a 3.03 ERA and a 1.063 WHiP in his 154.1 innings, striking out 213 batters with 84 walks. While his command was always spotty at best, he was able to survive by generating ground balls as he held the opposition to a .152/.271/.250 batting line.

It is possible that he can get back to being that pitcher once again. If he is healthy, Edwards could be a solid part of a major league bullpen again. He is certainly worth the minor league contract considering the Nationals’ issues in finding viable relievers.

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The Washington Nationals have signed Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor league contract. Considering the state of their bullpen, he is worth a look.

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