Wire Taps: Nationals acquire Kelvin Herrera from Royals; baseball world reacts to Nats’ latest bullpen addition...

Now-former Kansas City Royals’ reliever Kelvin Herrera took last night’s trade to Washington hard.

Herrera said after the deal that he spoke to his teammates after he learned he’d been dealt to D.C.

“Yeah, they’re like my family here. I said goodbye to them, which is hard,” the 28-year-old, eight-year veteran said.

Herrera explained that while he’d be joining a contender, going from the last place Royals to the NL East’s first-place Nationals, he was leaving the only organization he’s known.

“I was born and raised as a player here, and this is tough right now. I just want to say thanks to all the fans for their support. Thanks to the Kansas City Royals for the chance they gave to me to achieve my dream. That was huge, thanks for the support.”

Nationals’ skipper Davey Martinez told reporters after tonight’s game that he wasn’t sure when the right-hander would actually join the Nats.

“We’ll see if he can get here [tomorrow], but hopefully by the next day,” Martinez said.

While we wait, here’s what the baseball world had to say about the addition to Washington’s bullpen.

NATIONALS ACQUIRE HERRERA FROM ROYALS:

MLB Trade: Nationals acquire veteran reliever Kelvin Herrera from Royals - (CBSSports.com)
"In D.C., he'll join a Nationals bullpen that ranks sixth in the NL in relief ERA and seventh in relief FIP. Herrera figures to form a formidable lefty-righty combo with current Nats closer Sean Doolittle."

Kelvin Herrera traded to Washington Nationals from Kansas City Royals - (ESPN)
"Manager Davey Martinez will now have two closer-type arms to choose from at the end of games."

Nationals acquire reliever Kelvin Herrera from Royals to bolster back of the bullpen - (WaPost)
"With the move, Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo continues his annual tradition of acquiring big-name relievers in mid-summer deals..."

Kelvin Herrera traded to Nationals - (MLB.com)
”The Nationals made an early summer splash on Monday evening, acquiring right-handed closer Kelvin Herrera from the Royals in exchange for a trio of Minor Leaguers...”

Royals deal Kelvin Herrera for Nats prospects (MLB.com)
"He's one of the very best competitors that I've ever been around, probably this organization has seen, truthfully." - Dayton Moore on Kelvin Herrera

Nats acquire Royals closer Herrera for three minor leaguers - (MASN)
"Seeking to bolster their bullpen with another proven late-inning reliever, the Nationals have finalized a deal for Royals closer Kevin Herrera, the club announced this evening."

NATS BEAT:

7 times makeup games caused unusual situations - (MLB.com)
"Juan Soto, the 19-year-old Nationals rookie outfielder, is such a phenom that he can even bend time."

Manny Machado, Harper at crossroads again - (Washington Times)
"It was on a humid, sticky day in 2011 when two top MLB prospects, playing in the minors in different corners of Maryland, faced off on an Eastern Shore field."

Hellickson ready to face live hitters again - (MASN)
"The Nationals appear close to getting one of their injured rotation members back, though they’ll still need to call upon a minor leaguer for Tuesday’s start against the Orioles."