Bullpen in 2026: Who's next?

[imref]

Kranick threw 1.2 in Fredericksburg on Sunday: 0H, 0BB, 2K. Guessing he could be here in 2-3 weeks if he progresses without setbacks.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Palmquist is the next man up in the "let's see if we can find a useable lefty reliever " contest.

As much as we are down on the bullpen, the righties as a group look like a middling set of arms. Beeter, Ribalta, Varland, and Lord is fine. It's just the LHPs: Lovelady, Poulin, Parker, and Palmquist. Maybe the best bullpen upgrade is getting Irvin back and moving Alvarez to the bullpen?

[imref]

Palmquist opening today.

[imref]

Kranick lit up last night. He’s ready.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Really  curious about avoiding Varland last night. Dude  hasn't pitched since Sunday. Why throw Lovelady 3 days  in a row? Could have had him against Crawford rather than Lovelady vs Hill then Turner.

[imref]

so if we had just converted 11 of our 25 blown save opportunities, we'd be tied with the Dodgers for the best record in baseball.

[imref]

Nusbaum on what comes next:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7396693/2026/06/26/nationals-phillies-bryce-harper-bullpen/?unlocked_article_code=1.tFA.KcDu.-JSQyrCYX816

[welch]

Nusbaum on what comes next:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7396693/2026/06/26/nationals-phillies-bryce-harper-bullpen/?unlocked_article_code=1.tFA.KcDu.-JSQyrCYX816

Good article. I didn't want to read Nussbaum today, not after yet another crash in the 8th and 9th. But he is right: the owners could have bought at least one competent reliever. Did the organization need to trade Ferrer for Isaac Lyon and Ford?

[Natsinpwc]

Good article. I didn't want to read Nussbaum today, not after yet another crash in the 8th and 9th. But he is right: the owners could have bought at least one competent reliever. Did the organization need to trade Ferrer for Isaac Lyon and Ford?

Everyone though Keibert was a bust before this season.  And he might turn into a pumpkin. Don’t give up on Ford yet. If we could through years of Keibert why trade Ford?  Seems clear Millas is a nothing.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I don't have a lot of confidence in Lawrence but at least his motion is unlike any of the other pitchers. There should be some deception.

[aspenbubba]

I don't have a lot of confidence in Lawrence but at least his motion is unlike any of the other pitchers. There should be some deception.

He was all over the place and it was a high level stress situation with the game on the line with a chance of redemption for a new team and he showed nothing. Give him one more shot in a less stressful situation and release him if he can’t throw strikes.

[imref]

If Lawrence can’t handle the job then it’s LaRusa’s turn.

[tomterp]

Lawrence is half-wild but he has some crazy good movement on a couple of pitches.  Such a contrast too with whoever he follows (or precedes).  If they can give him the confidence to work closer to the strike zone he might be a keeper.

[imref]

according to https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSN/2026.shtml#all_players_standard_pitching, we've used 20 relief pitchers this year (not including Vivas and Weimer). Cosgrove will be #21. I don't include Alvarez in the below.

Sorted by # of appearances:
1. Poulin
2. Varland
3. Ribalta
4. Beeter
5. Lord
6. Lovelady
7. Schultz
8. Parker
9. Cionel Perez
10. Henry
11. Kent
12. Granillo
13. Cornelio
14. Waldichuk
15. Lawrence
16. Pamquist
17. Fernandez
18. Yean
19. Rutledge
20. Krook

[imref]

59th blown save tonight, a record pace at this point.

[varoadking]

59th blown save tonight, a record pace at this point.

Typo?

https://screwball.com/mlb/most-blown-saves-by-team-in-2026

The Washington Nationals have 26 blown saves in the 2026 season, which is the most in MLB. The 2026 Nationals also recorded 27 saves, which gives them a 50.9% save percentage.

[welch]

Just now, I would trust Jackson Rutledge more than Krook.

[imref]

Typo?

https://screwball.com/mlb/most-blown-saves-by-team-in-2026

26, you are correct. Still ridiculous.

[Kevrock]

59th blown save tonight, a record pace at this point.

First half MLB record! Well done Toboni and Lerner family!!!

[aspenbubba]

Since Toboni has insisted in mastering the art of "dumpster diving" my question is do these relievers receive MLB contracts and are they paid on a pro rata basis for the days they are on the 26 man or a full year at the minimum? I'm sure you can see where I am heading.

[sixthree175]

In 2015 the Nats were effectively out of playoff contention by the beginning of August due to somewhat unanticipated bullpen collapse.
What's happening in 2026 with the bullpen has been so predictable.  It's like watching film of the Hindenburg disaster for the 27th time.

[imref]

Cosgrove looks decent so far.

[welch]

Toboni should reveal trade magic right now.

[Slateman]

Kranick fits in nicely

[IdahoNat]

There's been so many guys recently I got him mixed up with Krook
Btw, anyone know his ERA right now: