Close Article Return to stream X
MLB

Oliver Perez Is Nice Low-Risk Signing For The Washington Nationals’ Depleted Bullpen

+Read full article
Oliver Perez

Getty Images

The Washington Nationals made their first step in improving a bullpen that struggled mightily in 2015 by agreeing to a two-year $7 million deal with left-handed reliever Oliver Perez. Perez started 2015 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, appearing in 48 games and posting a 3.10 ERA, before being traded to the Houston Astros and pitching twelve innings with a 6.75 ERA.

While those stats may not seem all that impressive, the Nationals likely brought Perez on board to be a lefty specialist. Despite his less than stellar totals in 2015, he posted a .185/.235/.283 in 91 at-bats against left-handed hitters with 33 strikeouts and only five walks. With Matt Thornton departing as a free agent, Perez will slot in as the Nationals’ second lefty along with Felipe Rivero.

As of now, the Nationals have Sammy Solis, Perez and Rivero from the left side and right-handers Jonathan Papelbon, Drew Storen, Aaron Barrett, David Carpenter and Blake Treinen all under contract for 2016 as bullpen options. Multiple outlets have reported that Papelbon and Storen are unlikely to return in 2016, which would leave the Nationals with more roles to fill.

The setup role could be filled by free agent Darren O’Day, as the Nationals have emerged as favorites to sign the former Baltimore Orioles reliever. The right-hander finished 2015 with a 6-2 record to go along with six saves, a 1.52 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. With O’Day and Perez to choose from for new manager Dusty Baker in the eighth inning, the Nationals could be well on their way to fixing a terrible bullpen.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
MLB Videos

Nationals' Harper Demolishes Homer In First At-Bat Of Season

If the Washington Nationals are going to make the playoffs in 2016, Bryce Harper is going to have to repeat his 2015 performance. Things got off to a great start for Harper on Opening Day as he launched a home run off of Atlanta Braves starter Julio Teheran in his first at-bat.

Comment 0 Comments