After an awesome victory on Monday evening over their division rival Philadelphia Phillies, the Washington Nationals watched their fatal flaw cost them again. After leading 5-2 heading into the 7th inning, the Nationals ended up losing the game 14-9, and arguably leaving more questions than answers in the wake.
The game itself was looking great early on, and then things got interesting late before Jorbit Vivas smacked a go-ahead 3-run homer to center. It appeared as if the Nationals were headed for a victory, but their problematic bullpen let them down in the end. After their embarrassing meltdown against the San Francisco Giants a couple weeks ago, this was not the performance you wanted to see from the unit.
Paxton Schultz optioned to AAA following role in Tuesday's meltdown
As such, the Nationals and new lead man Paul Toboni decided that changes had to be made immediately, and he got to work right away. While there are several pitchers to blame for the loss on Tuesday night, it appears as if righty Paxton Schultz, a former waiver claim, will be taking the first bit of responsibility for the meltdown of the entire unit.
The Nationals Communications team announced via X that Schultz was being optioned to AAA Rochester, with no corresponding move officially announced yet. For his role in Tuesday's demise, Schultz let in 2 earned runs on 3 hits in just 0.1 innings, striking out 1 and walking another as well. His season ERA has jumped up to a 5.87, and he could be down in Rochester for a good bit.
Simply put, the Nationals' bullpen is a serious issue. Of course, their best reliever in Brad Lord got shelled out of the bullpen on Tuesday, but due to his incredible first half so far, you have to give him a little bit of grace. Lord did allow 6 earned runs on 5 hits and a walk surrendered as well on Tursday night, truly a performance you'd never expect from him.
But you obviously can't send a chess piece like Lord who has been your best and most consistent reliever to the minors, despite some angry fans' bad online wishes. But while we wait to hear what the corresponding move will be to replace Schultz on the active roster, the bullpen needs to have some fresh faces if the Nationals actually want to compete, and it would appear the rookie GM is well aware of the same thing.
What do you think of the Nationals demoting Paxton Schultz back to AAA Rochester? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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