WASHINGTON (AP) - The Nationals revamped their struggling bullpen after Sunday’s loss to the Florida Marlins, dropping three relievers in a major in-season shuffle.
Nationals relievers are 0-5 with a 6.48 ERA in 41 2-3 innings this year.
“The incompetence of the bullpen was drawn to a head today,” said assistant general manager Mike Rizzo, after their third consecutive bullpen collapse in a 7-4 loss to Florida.
“It got to a point where it wasn’t fair for the fans, wasn’t fair for the rest of the teammates and the starting pitchers to go status quo. We’re going to change things up.”
Rivera, who was 0-3 with a 12.27 ERA in six outings, and catcher Josh Bard were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Right-hander Steven Shell and left-hander Wil Ledezma were designated for assignment, and the Nationals have 10 days to trade, release or waive them.
The Nationals plan to purchase the contract of top pitching prospect Jordan Zimmermann from Syracuse to make his first major league start Monday night against Atlanta.
Zimmermann, a second-round pick in 2007, was 15-5 with a 2.81 ERA in 39 career minor league appearances. He’s 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA in five games this season, including three starts.
Washington also will purchase the contract of veteran right-hander Kip Wells and recall right-handers Garrett Mock and Jason Bergmann from Syracuse.
Wells will be used in long relief, Rizzo said. Mock was being used as a closer in Triple-A, while Bergmann, who mostly started last season, was told this spring he’d be used in relief.
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