The Washington Nationals acquired hard-throwing right-handed reliever David Carpenter from the New York Yankees on Thursday morning in exchange for middle infield prospect Tony Renda.
Carpenter is expected to join the Nationals during their four-game series in Milwaukee, which begins Thursday night. The team has not yet announced a corresponding move to clear space for him on the active roster.
Washington hopes the addition of Carpenter, 29, will bring a much-needed measure of stability to a bullpen that has been shaky in recent weeks. Closer Drew Storen has been the lone constant in a group that has navigated injuries to Casey Janssen and Craig Stammen, among others, and inconsistent performances by a host of young arms.
Over the past 30 days, Nationals relievers have posted a 4.17 ERA, fifth-worst in the majors. Over the past two weeks, their collective ERA is 6.00.
The arrival of Carpenter should help. He was designated for assignment by the Yankees on June 3 after posting a 4.82 ERA in 22 games. Before being traded to New York over the winter, however, he spent two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, shining in a late-innings role and often serving as the setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel. He recorded a 2.63 ERA in 121 games from 2013 to 2014 with a 3.92 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
A 12th-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 and native of West Virginia, Carpenter relies on a fastball that hovers around 95 mph. He also throws a slider and changeup.
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In adding Carpenter, the Nationals parted with Renda, a second-round draft pick in 2012. The middle infielder was hitting .267 for Double-A Harrisburg at the time of the trade. The rise of second baseman Wilmer Difo and pending arrival of shortstop Trea Turner from San Diego likely made it easier for the Nationals to deal Renda.
To make room for Carpenter on the 40-man roster, the Nationals moved outfielder Nate McLouth to the 60-day disabled list. After undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in August, he recently suffered a setback in his rehabilitation process. It is unclear whether he will rejoin the team this season.
The team also reinstated Sammy Solis from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Double-A Harrisburg.
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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