Washington Nationals: Top five storylines heading into the second half
By Drew Douglas
1. How will the bullpen fare?
It’s no secret that the Nats’ bullpen hasn’t pitched well in 2017. Their collective 5.20 ERA ranks dead last in the MLB. After beginning the season with Blake Treinen as the closer, Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley, Matt Albers, Enny Romero, and Oliver Perez have all recorded at least one save.
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Unfortunately, the closer isn’t the only issue in the bullpen. Very few guys have found much success in any role. They are, however, beginning to improve. Treinen has been lights-out lately, while pitching in non-save situations. Joe Blanton has also looked much improved lately, not allowing a single run in his last seven appearances.
The two relievers most used to close out games with Glover out, Albers and Romero, have also improved. Albers has been a very pleasant surprise, pitching to a 1.93 ERA in 33 games after not making the team out of Spring Training. Romero has also pitched exceptionally well. His triple-digit fastball paired with his cutter and curveball have allowed him to pitch to a 3.63 ERA in 37 games.
Despite some recent success, the Nats are still in need of two impact relievers. With the window to win possibly closing, this is arguably the most important trade deadline in team history. The Nats are an excellent team with one weakness, their bullpen. They have what it takes to go on a deep postseason run, but they must address their bullpen issues at the deadline.
The Nats need to make a few prospects untouchable: Victor Robles, Erick Fedde, and Juan Soto, per se, but they should be willing to trade anyone else in order to acquire relievers. You don’t have a serious chance to win a World Series every year, so you must take advantage of the opportunity when it arises.
The Nats’ bullpen is undeniably weak and has been one of their few weaknesses this year. If they fail to address it at the trade deadline, it is hard to picture them going on a deep postseason run. All eyes are on Mike Rizzo with just a few short weeks until the trade deadline.
Next: Five prospects that could be dealt
The Nats had an excellent first half, which was very exciting and fun to watch, although frustrating at times. The second half should be just as exciting, as the Nats push for the first Washington World Series title since 1924.