The Nationals knew their bullpen would be the biggest question mark of their season. They just didn't expect that 11 games in, they'd be blowing it up.
After Washington's bullpen blew its third ninth-inning lead in as many days Sunday, the Nationals decided to clean house, optioning right-hander Saul Rivera to Class AAA Syracuse and designating right-hander Steven Shell and left-hander Wil Ledezma for assignment. The Nationals said they would recall right-handers Jason Bergmann and Garrett Mock and purchase the contract of Kip Wells, a series of moves meant to shake up a bullpen that had allowed 30 earned runs in 41 2/3 innings this year.
"I think it's embarrassing. I think it's unacceptable. I think our fans have every right to be mad, like we are right now," manager Manny Acta said. "And it's not going to be tolerated. We're going to have a brand-new bullpen tomorrow, and if those guys that come in don't get it done, we're going to continue getting guys out of here, because I think all of us deserve better."
Acting general manager Mike Rizzo said the closer's role is "to be determined" after Joel Hanrahan gave up game-tying home runs on both Friday and Saturday.
"It's a brand-new bullpen, really. We've got some unanswered questions," Rizzo said.
MARLINS 7, NATIONALS 4: Washington's latest loss to Florida -- its 20th in 23 games against the Marlins -- looked a lot like the previous two. For the third time in as many games, the Nationals took a lead into the ninth inning, only to watch the Marlins erase it. The two previous games saw Florida steal a win in extra innings, but the Marlins scored four off Saul Rivera in the ninth inning Sunday, coming back from a run down to sweep the Nationals.
