Washington Nationals News: David Carpenter hopes to be ‘pen option in 2016
By Pablo Roa
Good evening DOD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, James Wagner of the Washington post discusses injured Nationals reliever David Carpenter. As Wagner notes, Carpenter is likely out for the season with inflammation in his throwing shoulder, but the right-hander is improving and hopes to return to the Nats’ bullpen in 2016.
After several delays and setbacks in his rehab program, Carpenter began to improve once he received a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection. Despite Carpenter’s improvement, the Nats aren’t likely to make the playoffs and he won’t be healthy in time to contribute in the regular season.
But the right-hander’s improvement is good news for the Nationals, who will likely need all the help they can get in the bullpen next season. As Wagner writes in his article, the Nationals will probably make many changes to the ‘pen in 2016 and a healthy Carpenter could be a good option for a late-inning roll.
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When healthy, Carpenter has seen success out of the ‘pen throughout his career. The 30-year-old’s best season was 2013, when he posted a 1.78 ERA in 56 games with the Braves. Prior to the injury, Carpenter had a 1.50 ERA in eight games with the Nationals.
Also in today’s Daily, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post discusses the ongoing second-half revival of Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, who has improved substantially with the bat since the All-Star break.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth the read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
David Carpenter improving after injection, hoping to be a bullpen option in 2016
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
One of the Nationals’ biggest weaknesses, an issue that helped undermine their season, was their inconsistent bullpen. And in mid-June, long before the trade for Jonathan Papelbon, the Nationals acquired David Carpenter, hoping the veteran hard-throwing right-hander would help solidify the relief corps. But after eight solid appearances for the team, Carpenter landed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation that has kept him out since.
The Nationals’ playoff hopes become slimmer by the day with each loss, the bullpen having played a large role in the recent meltdown. Carpenter’s season may be done, but he remains an interesting figure for the Nationals in the future. Read full article here.
Ian Desmond continues second-half surge with four-RBI night
(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)
Ian Desmond has slumped a bit lately, though of course that is relative. He entered Wednesday’s game against the Phillies 4 for his last 27, coming off a four-strikeout game. Those are not good numbers, but this season, he has been through far more futile stretches.
He doubled in Wednesday’s win, then reemerged Thursday with a home run, his first of the month, a single, and four runs batted in. Read full article here.