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The Washington Nationals continued their fire sale on Friday evening when they traded pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Madson.
Gonzalez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, who the Nationals play this weekend, for a pair of minor leaguers.
Madson was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pitching prospect, Andrew Istler.
Here’s what Twitter had to say about the Nationals’ latest transaction...
You knew this because @Ken_Rosenthal isn't wrong, but do have confirmation now that Nats sent Gio Gonzalez to the Brewers. He's been a staple. This is the move that really drives home the point: This band is breaking up.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) August 31, 2018
Gonzalez spent seven years in a Nationals uniform. This season had to be one of his worst, as he posted a 7-11 record with a 4.57 ERA. The 11-year veteran had a 7.47 ERA in the month of August.
Despite Gonzalez’s struggles this season, you can’t forget the role he played in the Nationals rise in the National League.
Gonzalez recorded 21 wins in 2012 when the Nationals won their first NL East crown.
Say what you want about Gio (you probably already have now and then) but only five pitchers in baseball have made more starts since 2012. He was on the disabled list once since Nats acquired him.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) August 31, 2018
He could be maddening at times, but Gio Gonzalez was 86-65 with a 3.62 ERA over the last 7 seasons with the Nationals. Made 31+ starts in all but one season (when he still made 27). A durable lefty who was a critical part of this franchise's ascension.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 31, 2018
With the #Nats trading Gio Gonzalez, only three players remain from the 2012 #Nationals - the first of their four NL East championship teams. The remaining players are Strasburg, Harper & Zimmerman. Gio was key cog on that team earning a League-high 21 wins
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) September 1, 2018
At least, Gonzalez doesn’t have to worry about traveling since the Brewers are already in D.C.
Wilmer Flores Redux? On Nats’ telecast @FightinHydrant just read @Ken_Rosenthal’s tweet saying Brewers got Gio González from Nats - he’s in the Washington dugout apparently telling teammates of the tweet pic.twitter.com/UMYWBqbm9M
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) August 31, 2018
Madson was acquired by the Nationals from the Oakland Athletics in a deal that included closer Sean Doolittle. Madson posted a 1.37 ERA in 20 games with the Nationals in 2017.
Madson has posted a 5.28 ERA this season and is recently coming off the disabled list.
The Dodgers plan to use Ryan Madson in high-leverage spots, Dave Roberts said. “We’ll bet on the stuff, and on the person.”
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) August 31, 2018
Dave Roberts said Ryan Madson will arrive tonight and be active for tomorrow’s game. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 31, 2018