Nationals land Rzepczynski from A's to bolster bullpen
The division-leading Washington Nationals added a veteran left-hander to their bullpen Thursday, acquiring Marc Rzepczynski and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor-league infielder Max Schrock, the teams announced.
Acquired by Oakland last winter from the San Diego Padres, the 30-year-old crafted a 3.00 ERA with a 1.72 WHIP through 56 appearances this season, allowing just one home run in 30 innings but managing the sixth-highest walk rate (14.2 percent) among relievers with at least 30 IP. Rzepczynski hasn't been all that effective against left-handed hitters, either, surrendering a .296/.360/.395 line in 54 plate appearances against same-handed batters.
Throughout his career, however, Rzepczynski has limited lefties to a .597 OPS (.270 wOBA), and the Nationals' bullpen has not only struggled to neutralize left-handed bats, but didn't even have a second left-hander to complement Oliver Perez prior to Thursday's deal.
Player | IP | OPS vs. LHH |
---|---|---|
Oliver Perez | 34.2 | .719 |
Shawn Kelley | 46.1 | .903 |
Blake Treinen | 53.2 | .803 |
Matt Belisle | 38.0 | .448 |
Koda Glover | 7.2 | .840 |
Yusmeiro Petit | 57.2 | .847 |
Schrock, meanwhile, will join an increasingly strong stable of Athletics prospects. Drafted in the 13th round in 2015, the 21-year-old second baseman has impressed at the plate in his first full professional season, hitting .333/.378/.456 with nine homers, 31 doubles, and 22 stolen bases in 121 games between Low-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac.
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