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Heading into play today, the Washington Nationals’ bullpen, as a group, have a 4.97 ERA (second-highest in the NL), a 4.62 FIP (second-highest), 30 home runs allowed (fourth-highest), 1.59 HR/9 allowed (highest), a .267 BAA (highest), .313 BABIP-against (fourth-highest), and a 1.49 WHIP (sixth-highest).
The bullpen has been an issue from the start this season, but with Koda Glover, who took over the closer’s role, now injured, and on the DL, and the issues continuing, it seemed likely that the Nationals would have to make some moves.
Joe Blanton, who has struggled, returned from the 10-Day Disabled List on Sunday, after dealing with right shoulder inflammation.
This afternoon, FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reported that the Nationals would be calling up 24-year-old right-hander Trevor Gott:
Source: #Nationals calling up RHP Trevor Gott. At Triple A: 28K, 6 BB, 1 HR, 3.30 ERA in 30 IP.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 12, 2017
Washington Post writer Chelsea Janes heard the same apparently:
Trevor Gott will join the Nats today, as @Ken_Rosenthal said. Not sure yet on corresponding move.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) June 12, 2017
As Rosenthal noted, Gott, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in the trade that sent Yunel Escobar to LA in 2015, has a 3.30 ERA, a 2.61 FIP, six walks (1.80 BB/9) and 28 Ks (8.40 K/9) in 30 IP, over which he’s held opposing hitters to a .256 AVG.
In order to make room on the roster for Gott, the Nationals optioned Wilmer Difo to Triple-A Syracuse:
#Nationals: #Nats have recalled RHP Trevor Gott from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned infielder Wilmer Difo to Triple-A Syracuse.
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) June 12, 2017