Bullpen banter: Nationals relief unit improving
By Lee Kostroski
Thriving - Washington Nationals
I’ve given the Nationals some play in this article, however never in the “thriving” portion. They have been the worst bullpen in baseball for much of the season, but I have to give them some props for the recent performance. This might be my only chance all season to put them in this spot, so I better do it now.
The Nat relievers had been on a nice roll entering their final two games in their series in Milwaukee. They struggled a bit in the final two of that series, however in the nine games leading up to that, the bullpen ERA was just 1.82.
In that span, the bullpen did not allow more than a single run in any game. Again, if looking at only the last two games, it appears their struggles may have returned but we’ll keep a close eye on that.
Lefty Sean Burnett has become Washington’s “go to” reliever since coming over in a trade with the Pirates. He has already made 11 appearances for his new team and has yet to allow a run.
Closer Mike MacDougal has blown only one save since taking over the ninth inning role and his ERA is right around 3.00.
Joe Beimel failed when they attempted to use him in a closer’s role, but he’s flourished as a long reliever/set up man. Beimel has allowed just five earned runs since late May and his ERA is a solid 3.40. There are a few pieces in place in Washington’s pen and they have come together nicely over the last 10 days or so.
Struggling – Houston Astros
Houston is an overachieving club. Despite a .500 record, the Astros have been outscored by 59 runs this season. Part of that success has been due to an above average relief corps. The bullpen came back to earth recently, which might trigger a slide in the standings for this surprise team.
Houston is 4-7 over its last 11 games and the team’s relievers have a combined earned run average of 5.86 during the span. If you actually narrow it down even further, taking into account each of their relievers last three appearances, that ERA escalates to 9.93.
It’s no coincidence the shaky numbers come at a time with the ‘pen has had to eat more innings. Over the last seven games the bullpen has put in 34 1-3 innings. That is an average of nearly five innings per game, which is way too much.
The Astros have also blown 18 saves, the second highest mark in the majors. The relievers have lost 17 games already on the year and only four bullpens have more losses.
Set up man LaTroy Hawkins is on the disabled list with shingles. His 2.32 ERA will be missed for Houston backers.