Washington Nationals: Predicting the Opening Day roster after latest cuts
By Drew Douglas
Law firm and righty relievers
A recurring theme over the last few years has been a weak Nats bullpen to begin the season. Fortunately, for the first time in what seems like forever, the Nats will have a strong bullpen to begin the year.
Led by Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson, and Brandon Kintzler, the Nats have one of the best late-inning bullpens in the league. Although the middle relievers are not quite up to the lofty standards set by “the law firm”, they complement them nicely.
The two right-handed middle relievers will likely be Shawn Kelley and Trevor Gott.
Kelley battled various arm injuries last year, en route to a horrific season. He has had a few concerning outings this spring, leading people to believe that his arm may be done, but he will get a shot to prove himself in the regular season.
If Kelley is able to return to form, he can be a dominant member of the ‘pen.
Along with Kelley, Gott will serve as a right-handed middle reliever. The 25-year-old was acquired for Yunel Escobar a few years ago, but has not made much of an impact at the major league level.
Gott had lofty expectations placed on him upon arriving in DC, even being named a future closer, but 2018 will be his first extensive opportunity in the majors.
Madson and Kintzler alone would make for a nice right-handed side of the bullpen, but Kelley and Gott complement them very well.