By Jordan Long
The Washington Nationals sit at 57-54, 5.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for 1st place in the National League East. They are also 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the 2nd Wild Card spot. Washington made a move they hope will bolster the bullpen, signing reliever Greg Holland.
Holland started the season with the St. Louis Cardinals. They were hoping he would be the closer this year. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. Holland allowed too many base hits and had command issues with the baseball. He didn’t record a save and blew 3 save opportunities with a record of 0-2. Holland’s ERA with St. Louis was an unimpressive 7.92, the worst of his career.
The Cardinals placed him for assignment on July 27th and released him August 1st because of his poor play. Holland was a free agent and could sign with anyone.
The Nationals decided they could use Holland in the bullpen. Washington’s bullpen ranks 10th in all of Major League Baseball with a 3.63 ERA. They are hoping adding Holland will make the bullpen even better. Holland won’t be the closer. That position is taken by Sean Doolittle. Doolittle recorded 22 saves in 23 opportunities with a 1.43 ERA so far this year. The Nationals trust him to close games out.
Holland should be a middle to late inning pitcher for Washington. He has the ability to strike batters out with 22 this season. His problem is walks. Holland allows too many with a total of 22 this year. When Holland walks batters, the next batter in the lineup will either move them into scoring position or have a base hit to score the runner and this is his downfall.
The Nationals know in order for them to make a run at the postseason, the middle relievers play must improve. Adding Holland may help. The only problem is his command issues. If he can work on not walking batters when he is in the game, Holland will enhance the bullpen. If Holland keeps walking batters, it could spell trouble and maybe end Washington’s postseason hopes.
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