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Washington Nationals Editorial: How does the Nats Bullpen Stack Up in the NL East?

By Matt Weyrich

Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) looks in for the sign during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) looks in for the sign during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins

Marlins relievers appeared in a combined 516.0 innings in 2015, putting up an ERA of 3.66 while compiling 499 strikeouts, 214 walks, and 35 saves and holding opposing hitters to a .240 batting average against.

After a solid 2015 season in which the club ranked 14th in the league in bullpen ERA and 12th in reliever strikeouts, the Marlins have the make up of a very similar bullpen in 2016. Closer A.J. Ramos will return for his second straight season at the helm, looking to improve on his 32 save, 2.30 ERA performance. With four more years left of control on his rookie contract, Ramos is seen by Miami’s coaching staff as their closer for the foreseeable future.

The Marlins have three quietly effective relievers behind Ramos that have the potential make or break Miami’s bullpen this season. Mike Dunn, who posted a 10.8 K/9 in 54 innings last year, is currently projected to handle eighth inning duties in 2016. 28-year old Bryan Morris finished third on the team with 67 appearances last season, but will see his playing time drop if Carter Capps is able to repeat his unprecedented 2015 success.

Rounding out the rest of the crew are the likes of former starter Justin Nicolino, 26-year old Andre Rienzo, and Kyle Barraclough, who posted a 2.59 ERA in 25 appearances in 2015. While Atlanta and Philadelphia clearly project to be in the bottom ten of the league in bullpen ERA, Miami comes in at No. 3 in our rankings with high upside and a level of reliability that separates them from the bottom feeders.

Next: #2 Bullpen in the NL East

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