Jonathan Papelbon has had a rather rough season, and it’s gotten to the point where the reliever is requesting to be released, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
Crasnick reports that the Nationals are seeking a way to go about the release, and could do so as early as Saturday:
Washington could release Papelbon as early as Saturday because the team will need to make a corresponding roster move when it recalls Reynaldo Lopez, who is scheduled to start Saturday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
Papelbon also hasn’t seemed to be himself of late, as documented by Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post:
There, Papelbon spent much of the last week or so walking around wide-eyed. His voice used to carry from the dining area through the clubhouse, his music would blare from the speakers. Over the last week or so, Papelbon was hardly heard.
Papelbon used to wait until the late innings to move to the bullpen, a routine developed over 11 seasons as a closer. Last week, cameras caught him relaxing in the bullpen, seemingly sunning himself.
The 12-year vet has made 37 appearances on the year, where he’s 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA. He’s got 19 saves in 22 chances.
Papelbon’s time in D.C. hasn’t been great. Near the end of the 2015 season, Papelbon was seem attempting to choke Bryce Harper during an altercation in the dugout. Harper would go on to win NL MVP for that season. As a result, Papelbon was suspended seven games to end his season.
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