It’s been a constant source of frustration throughout the season. No matter how poorly they’ve pitched, the Nationals have often had little choice but to stick with the staff they’ve got because of a lack of viable alternatives knocking on the door in the minors.
There have been a few moments along the way when the organization has made roster changes, from the early-season cutting of ties with struggling veterans Jorge López, Lucas Sims and Colin Poche, to the in-season additions of Andrew Chafin, Luis Garcia and Konnor Pilkington. But transactions have mostly been limited, because there simply haven’t been enough minor league pitchers worthy of promotion.
That’s what made this weekend’s lopsided sweep at the hands of the Brewers feel all the more hopeless. After interim general manager Mike DeBartolo traded Chafin, Luis Garcia and Kyle Finnegan prior to Thursday’s deadline, the bullpen that remained was beaten to a pulp by Milwaukee, combining to surrender 22 runs in only 14 1/3 innings over the last three days.
What recourse does DeBartolo even have at this point?
The Nationals did make one move following Sunday’s 14-3 loss, optioning right-hander Ryan Loutos (owner of a 12.00 ERA in 10 big league games with the club) to Triple-A Rochester. That still leaves six relievers on the active staff with an ERA over 5.00: Jose A. Ferrer, Orlando Ribalta, Andry Lara, Jackson Rutledge, Shinnosuke Ogasawara and Zach Brzykcy. The only two exceptions: Pilkington (1.42 ERA in seven games) and Cole Henry (3.86 ERA in 42 games).
No corresponding move was announced yet to take Loutos’ spot, but signs point to the Nats adding a newly acquired pitcher to the big league roster before Tuesday night’s series opener against the Athletics. They announced Sunday they had claimed PJ Poulin off waivers from the Tigers but didn’t announce where the 29-year-old left-hander was being assigned.
Poulin has never pitched in the majors before, but he was 7-1 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.289 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings at Triple-A Toledo before the Tigers (needing to clear 40-man roster spots for their trade deadline acquisitions, including Kyle Finnegan) designated him for assignment.
At this point, what do the Nationals have to lose giving him a look?
There are also a few other recent acquisitions who could be under consideration at some point in the near future. Right-hander Clayton Beeter (one of two pitchers to come from the Yankees in the Amed Rosario trade) has made three appearances for Rochester since the deal, striking out seven but walking four in four innings. Lefty Jake Eder (one of two players to come from the Angels in the Chafin and Garcia trade) has pitched in relief in all nine of his major league outings but has been a starter in the minors and has yet to debut for Rochester.
The Nationals also have three more open slots on their 40-man roster, so they have the freedom to call up any prospect they want if they so choose. One name to keep an eye on: Holden Powell, the club’s third round pick in 2020 from UCLA who has a 2.75 ERA in 18 games with Rochester, though his 22 walks issued in only 19 2/3 innings are a significant cause for concern.