While the Washington Nationals are getting ready to begin a new series against the Houston Astros later today, they will be hoping that their bullpen can kick into high gear. Their bullpen has been a topic and source of a lot of heartbreak and frustration for Nationals fans so far this year, and Sunday's series finale loss to the Pirates was more of the same.
Righty Brad Lord, who has genuinely been one of the only bright spots in the team's bullpen this season, was roughed up badly on Sunday afternoon, giving up 5 earned runs in only 1.1 innings of work. Between him and Justin Lawrence, the duo combined to allow 7 earned runs in 3 innings of work en route to an 11-5 loss. Perhaps the continued struggles of the unit are why Paul Toboni just keeps throwing darts.
Nationals claim lefty Matt Krook off waivers from Athletics
Throughout the year and specifically the past several weeks, the Nationals have continued to churn and burn relievers like it's their job. For Toboni, it actually is his job, and his latest claim is one that is...not great, if you're looking at his numbers.
On Sunday, the Nationals claimed lefty Matt Krook off waivers from the Athletics and designated righty Andre Granillo for assignment. That transaction paved the way for the club to make a couple of other moves as well, including DFA'ing former top prospect Robert Hassell III to make room for righty Eddy Yean on the 40-man roster as well. Yean was sent down to Rochester after Sunday's contest and a solid debut to make room for Krook, so hopefully the lefty can earn his place quickly.
Looking at Krook's career numbers, however, might not inspire much confidence at this point. The 31-year-old southpaw owns a career 16.50 ERA and 2.67 WHIP over 13 games out of the bullpen, and just 13 strikeouts compared to 12 walks in 12.0 innings. He has spent time in the majors with the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Athletics, with the Nationals being the next team he will check off.
Hopefully, Krook is able to be someone similar to a Richard Lovelady, who had been a revelation for the Nationals this year, angering Mets fans to no end, before getting injured recently. With the Nationals needing to do what they can to stay in the hunt for playoff contention, guys like Krook will be that much more important to be able to close games out.
What do you think of the Nationals claiming Matt Krook off waivers from the Athletics over the weekend? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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