Latest news with #KyleFinnegan
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Jorge López is out as the Nationals' bullpen moves on
PHOENIX — The Washington Nationals' Opening Day bullpen featured four veterans. One, closer Kyle Finnegan, was a familiar face. The three others — Colin Poche, Lucas Sims and Jorge López — were newcomers asked to bridge the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. All three are now gone after the Nationals designated López for assignment before Saturday night's game at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Poche was designated for assignment May 1 and elected to become a free agent three days later, and Sims was released May 10. In Saturday's corresponding roster move, the Nationals recalled right-hander Eduardo Salazar from Class AAA Rochester. Salazar, 27, had pitched to a 1.74 ERA in nine appearances with the Red Wings after struggling to a 9.77 ERA in 17 outings for the Nationals. López, 32, posted a 6.57 ERA in 26 appearances. 'It was all about he has ups and downs so far this year,' Manager Dave Martinez said. 'It got to the point where you saw what [Brad] Lord did [in Friday's win, throwing scoreless seventh and eighth innings]. And I felt like now's the time to really try to focus and give our young kids a shot to go ahead and do what they've been doing.' Sims, Poche and López combined to allow 48 earned runs in 45⅔ innings — a 9.46 ERA. Finnegan had a 2.61 ERA and 16 saves entering Saturday. 'Sometimes places aren't the right fit,' Martinez said. 'And I don't think this was the right fit for [López].' López was on a one-year contract worth $3 million with performance incentives. Just over a year earlier — May 29, 2024 — the New York Mets designated him for assignment after he threw his glove into the stands following his ejection. On May 29 this year, Martinez had to make the unconventional decision to visit the mound himself to calm down López after the righty became heated while arguing balls and strikes. He proceeded to allow two runs, letting the Seattle Mariners tie the score before the Nationals won in 10 innings. 'It was tough,' Martinez said. 'I can't sit here and lie — I wasn't happy about that whole situation. He needs to focus. He needs to understand that, in situations like that, he needs to get to that next pitch.' Cole Henry, Jackson Rutledge and Lord are expected to join Jose A. Ferrer as the Nationals' setup men, giving Martinez a chance to mix and match based on opponents' weaknesses. Salazar is likely to pitch in low-leverage situations for now. 'Just cleared my mind for a bit,' Salazar said through an interpreter of his stint with Rochester. '[I have to] be aggressive in the strike zone.'
Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Josh Bell hits 3-run homer, Nationals knock off Diamondbacks 9-7 in series opener
PHOENIX — Josh Bell hit a three-run homer, Robert Hassell III had three RBIs and the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 on Friday night. Hassell hit a two-run single in the first inning and a run-scoring single in the seventh that put Washington up 9-6. James Wood hit a solo homer and Kyle Finnegan gave up a run on Geraldo Perdomo's groundout before closing out the ninth for his 16th save in 19 chances.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Phillies Could Pursue All-Star Closer From Division Rival Ahead of Deadline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philadelphia Phillies will be addressing the bullpen at the trade deadline. There aren't any doubts or questions about that especially after Jose Alvarado's suspension. However, the Phillies have plenty of options when it comes to who they acquire to fill that need. MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote up Sunday night that there are several relievers labeled as "top targets" ahead of the trade deadline, but the best one for the Phillies may be Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: Kyle Finnegan #67 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: Kyle Finnegan #67 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on May 20, 2025 in Washington, has pitched in 19 games this season for the Nationals and is 15-18 on save opportunities this season. In his appearances, the right-handed closer has produced a 2.41 ERA for Washington as it continues to struggle in the National League East. The Nationals' struggles may be perfect for the Phillies to pounce on Finnegan and lure the All-Star closer away from a division rival. The 33-year-old closer has posted 81 saves in the last 2 1/2 seasons, so he's still pitching at a high level. If the Phillies trade for Finnegan, they'll be on the hook for the remainder of the $6 million he's owed this year. However, Finnegan is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Spotrac also shows his market value for a new contract is a one-year deal worth $6.9 million, a figure the Phillies could easily pay him if they choose to keep him beyond the remainder of this season. Rob Thomson will be desperate for a new reliever in July, and Finnegan is a pitcher who should be on the Phillies' shortlist. They wouldn't have to give up much at all if they choose to trade for him. More MLB: Phillies Could Use $72 Million Failed Starter as Bullpen 'Lemonade'
Washington Post
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Rosario's pinch-hit single in 10th lifts Nationals to 8-7 win over Braves
WASHINGTON — Pinch-hitter Amed Rosario singled home the winning run in the 10th inning and the Washington Nationals topped the Atlanta Braves 8-7 on Thursday night for their fifth straight victory. Atlanta tied it at 7 in the ninth on Matt Olson's one-out RBI double off closer Kyle Finnegan. Austin Riley tried to score the go-ahead run from first but was thrown out at the plate on the play.
Newsweek
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Could Land $6 Million Closer Following Devin Williams Announcement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees recently made the decision to demote Devin Williams out of the closer role, presumably elevating breakout star Luke Weaver in his place. This is quite the shocking decision considering the Yankees made a blockbuster trade for the righty in the offseason. But Williams has been horrendous, and he desperately needed some of the pressure off his back. Having Weaver is a solid backup plan, but this situation puts an emphasis on the importance of high-leverage bullpen depth. With that in mind, the Yankees may look to swing a blockbuster trade for a closer before the MLB Trade Deadline. A deal with the Washington Nationals for closer Kyle Finnegan would help patch this hole for the Yankees. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 23: Kyle Finnegan #67 of the Washington Nationals pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on April 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 23: Kyle Finnegan #67 of the Washington Nationals pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on April 23, 2025 in Washington, be clear here, trading for Finnegan wouldn't be to add a closer to replace Williams. It would be to add another high-leverage arm to take some of the pressure off Williams and Weaver. Finnegan hasn't been an elite option, and the Yankees had a chance to bring him in during the offseason, but they need bullpen arms more down the stretch than they did during the offseason. It's likely the Nationals will fall out of postseason contention at some point. They're already a few games under .500 with a loaded division ahead of them. Once they fall out of postseason contention, assuming they do, trading Finnegan will likely be on their to-do list. The Yankees could acquire him for cheap and plug him in as a late-inning relief option in manager Aaron Boone's bullpen. More MLB: Giants' $182 Million Free Agency Signing Called 'Biggest Bust Of First Month'
