Nationals acquire Madson, Doolittle from Athletics

The Washington Nationals have added to their bullpen Sunday by acquiring a pair of relievers in Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for reliever Blake Treinen as well as prospect pitcher Jesus Luzardo and infielder Sheldon Neuse.

Madson has pitched 39 1/3 innings out of the Athletics' pen this season, posting a 2.06 ERA and 2.43 FIP while putting up the best strikeout rate since his 2010 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The 36-year-old right-hander has converted 14 holds in 2017 while making just one save.

Doolittle is three seasons removed from being the Athletics' closer, racking up 22 saves in 2014. Since then, injury troubles, including a shoulder issue that forced the left-hander to spend time on the disabled list this year, have limited his innings. The 30-year-old has a 3.38 ERA and 2.34 FIP through 21 1/3 innings this year.

Going the other way, the Athletics added a right-handed relief pitcher in Treinen, who has struggled this year. Despite getting three saves, Treinen - who is returning to the organization that drafted him - has a 5.73 ERA and 3.75 FIP in 37 2/3 innings.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old left-handed pitching prospect Luzardo has made three starts in 2017 at Rookie ball. Neuse is capable of playing both shortstop and third base and has played all 77 of his games in 2017 with Class-A Hagerstown, slashing .291/.349/.469.

The Nationals have had the worst bullpen in the majors with a 5.34 ERA and 4.93 FIP. Through just 251 1/3 innings of combined work, the Nationals' bullpen has cost the team nearly a full win, according to FanGraphs' WAR.