On Wednesday, the Washington Nationals designated for assignment reliever Shawn Kelley. This happened hours after he threw his glove on the mound in a temper tantrum. By being DFA’d, Kelley and the Nationals have seven days to decide whether they want to trade him or release him. With the non-waiver trade deadline already passed, Kelley would need to clear waivers before Washington could trade the relief pitcher. After comments made by General Manager Mike Rizzo, in which he called Kelley “in the way” and “selfish”, the feeling is Kelley will be dealt and not return in a Washington Nationals uniform.
His temper tantrum aside, which happened after he gave up a two-run home run to Austin Jackson in Washington’s 25-4 victory over the New York Mets, Kelley is having a good year. Prior to being released he had an ERA of 3.34 in 32.1 innings pitched. He had 32 strikeouts and has only given up one inherited run. He would clearly help out a staff that is hurting and badly needs some more help.
On Friday, closer Wade Davis blew his second straight game, giving up a three-run walk-off home run to Eric Thames in losing to the Milwaukee Brewers. On Thursday, Davis gave up a two-run single to Jose Martinez in losing to the St Louis Cardinals. In both games, the Rockies starters pitched phenomenally and gave Colorado an opportunity to win, only to see it fizzle on one pitch in the ninth inning. Recent addition Seunghwan Oh and Adam Ottavino both pitched shutout innings when needed during those games. Offseason signee Bryan Shaw has struggled, and Jake McGee and Chris Rusin have also been sore spots in the bullpen.
Should the Rockies hope to make the playoffs this season, General Manager Jeff Bridich and Manager Bud Black are going to have to make some tough calls. Should they choose to make wholesale changes to the bullpen, Shawn Kelley would fit in nicely. Oh could stay in his seventh inning role, and Ottavino move into the closer role. This would slot Kelley into his usual eighth inning position. The majority of his appearances this season have come in the eighth inning, where he has a 1.93 ERA. With Chad Bettis returning from his rehab assignment in Triple-A, he could also be used as a long reliever to help bolster the bullpen.
The tricky part is the cost. Washington will want young pieces in a trade, and the issue of the cost of the current bullpen will also need to be addressed. Shaw, McGee, and Davis were all signed for a total of $106 million this offseason. It will be difficult to shed that payroll to make room for Kelley.
Still, a move needs to be made if the Rockies are serious about contending with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. A piece that the Rockies badly need has become available, and they would be wise to do what they can to get Shawn Kelley.
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