Washington Nationals Rumors: Nats called Baltimore Orioles to check on Zach Britton?

In their no doubt wide-ranging search for relief help at the back of the bullpen, the Washington Nationals have apparently contacted the Baltimore Orioles about Zack Britton, who reportedly isn’t available as of now...

FanRag’s Jon Heyman reported on the Nationals’ interest in the O’s left-hander, though it’s hard to imagine Baltimore and Washington making a deal with their ongoing legal dispute over the MASN TV rights fees.

“The Nationals would love to get Zach Britton,” Heyman wrote this afternoon.

“Not only is that obvious, but sources say the Nats have called about Britton.”

Earlier today, Heyman also reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Britton as well, writing that “[t]eams with a major need for a closer have checked in to see if Orioles star Zach Britton is available,” but LA checking in is somewhat surprising given that they have Kenley Jansen closing games.

“The possibility of combining Kenley Jansen with Britton, who isn’t yet available but could come become available, is delicious,” Heyman wrote.

Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo on closer search; finding right trade...

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LINK: “We know what our flaws are, they’re pretty clear.” - Mike Rizzo

Britton, 29, has made just 11 appearances this season while dealing with a forearm strain. He returned from a couple weeks on the DL from mid-April to early May, but landed back in the Disabled List, and was out until July 5th when he returned for three outings before the All-Star Break.

On the season, the Orioles’ closer has five saves, a 2.25 ERA, 3.06 FIP, five walks (3.75 BB/9) and eight Ks (6.00 K/9) in 12 IP, coming off a 47-save season in 2016 which saw him post a 0.54 ERA, a 1.94 FIP, 2.42 BB/9, 9.94 K/9 and a .162/.221/.209 line against in 67 innings.

Britton is just one of many names mentioned in connection to the Nationals’ search for bullpen help this season as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches along with David Robertson of the Chicago White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds’ Raisel Iglesias, Detroit Tigers’ Justin Wilson, Oakland A’s Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, Kansas City Royals’ Kelvin Herrera and more...