Horrible Nationals make change at closer
The Washington Nationals don’t get many chances to close out a victory, but when they do next time there will be a new guy to do so.
Mike MacDougal has taken over the closer job from Joel Hanrahan, who has been moved to a middle-relief role. It’s the second time this season that Hanrahan has lost his closer’s job. The first occurred on April 28, a day after he gave up a game-winning grand slam to Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez.
Hanrahan got the role back in mid-May, but the inconsistency was still there. In fact, he has given up six runs in his past three innings.
“We are going to have him relax and pitch in the middle of the game in order to get his confidence back,” manager Manny Acta said. “I spoke to him and told him I have a lot of faith in him, and I have proved that. But right now, he hasn’t been consistent enough to be pitching back there. He took it very well.”
MacDougal hasn’t closed since 2005 when he was with the Royals, when he converted 21 of 25 tries. Friday’s game against the Mets was the last straw for Acta. In that game, MacDougal struck out pinch-hitter Gary Sheffield on three pitches — all fastballs that traveled at least 96 mph. Then, in the tenth inning, Hanrahan yielded two runs to see his ERA grow to 6.84.
Released by the White Sox at the end of April, MacDougal didn’t even get back to the majors until May 28. In five games since then, MacDougal has yet to allow an earned run.
The Nationals remain on pace to establish a new all-time mark for blown saves. The record is 34, and the Washington bullpen has successfully saved eight games and blown 13. The Nats’ 5.61 ERA is by far the worst in the majors, and their relievers are 4-18 with a 5.74 ERA.
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