The Nationals have cut their losses with Trevor Rosenthal — and they hope that leads to fewer setbacks by a beleaguered bullpen.
Rosenthal, a veteran reliever, was released before Sunday’s home game with Atlanta, after he walked all three batters he faced in a stunning 13-9 loss Saturday night to the Braves.
Rosenthal, once a top closer for the Cardinals, was signed prior to this season on a one-year deal for a reported $7 million. He had 45 saves in 2015 with St. Louis.
But this year he did not retire a batter in his first five outings. Overall he was 0-1 with a 22.74 ERA in 12 games, allowing a staggering 15 walks and five wild pitches in just 6 1/3 innings.
Rosenthal came off the injured list on June 8 after a viral infection and following 10 appearances with a 5.79 ERA for the Double-A Harrisburg (PA) Senators.
“Just at this point in time, he put the work in, we put the work in, we tried to get him right and just things didn’t work out. It was time for us to move on. I wish him and his family the best,” manager Dave Martinez said Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the Nationals sent pitcher Joe Ross back to Triple-A Fresno and recalled Kyle McGowin, another right-hander, from the Grizzlies. Austin Voth, called up from Triple-A, was slated to start at home Sunday against the first-place Braves.
Voth had not pitched since June 13 while in the minors.
The Nationals entered the finale of the three-game series at 37-39 while Atlanta was 45-32.
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