Washington Nationals: 6 who might be traded this winter

TANNER ROARK

After not pitching for the Nats during their NL Divisional Series loss to the Chicago Cubs, it is hard to see where he fits into the bigger picture.

It is not Roark’s fault Dusty Baker used Stephen Strasburg in Game 4. The rainout bought an extra day of rest for Strasburg and the Nats trailed the best-of-five 2-1. But, Roark never pitched in Game 5. With more than ample rest, why he did not pitch multiple innings after Max Scherzer still causes lost sleep.

Considering Washington is in the market to land a starter, Roark is not about to be shopped around. But, there is a disconnect in the relationship between team and player somewhere. His is a name that you stop and think about after a deal and agree.

There must be a concern within the front office why he fell from a Game 2 playoff starter in 2016 to an unused fourth last year. Remember, Roark’s 2.83 ERA in 2016 beat Scherzer’s 2.96.

Trading Roark does not fit the conservative nature of Mike Rizzo. Given the lack of proven depth in the back of the rotation, some would be stunned by the move. A swap of unhappy starters, however, is not out of the question. It depends on how strained that relationship is.