Jonathan Papelbon‘s days with the Nationals are numbered.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the former Nats closer who recently lost his job to All-Star Mark Melanin has requested his release.
Papelbon has requested his release and #Nationals are trying to figure out best way to do it, industry source says. Could be soon.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 13, 2016
The 35-year old Papelbon is currently entrenched in a season that’s yielded a career worst 4.37 ERA in 35 innings. This is coming off a 3.04 ERA in 2015 which marked just the second time in his 12 year career that the six-time All-Star has had an ERA over 3.00.
Whether Washington grants Papelbon his wish or not, the Nationals will need to make a move of some sort considering room will have to be made for Reynaldo Lopez who’s getting called up Saturday to start against the Braves.
However after fighting the team’s best player last season, it’s surprising Papelbon is still playing in DC.
