On Wednesday, the Nationals designated reliever Shawn Kelley for assignment because the right-hander threw a tantrum on the mound after giving up three runs when the Nationals had been leading the Mets 25-1. Kelley spiked his glove and glared into the dugout, presumably upset manager Dave Martinez gave him mop-up duty. GM Mike Rizzo said, “I thought that the act that he portrayed on the field last night was disrespectful to the name on the front of the jersey, the organization, specifically Davey Martinez.”
The Nationals have found Kelley a new home. The Athletics announced that the club acquired Kelley from the Nationals in exchange for international slot money. The A’s moved Jake Smolinski to the 60-day disabled list to create room on the 40-man roster for Kelley.
Kelley, 34, posted a 3.34 ERA with a 32/5 K/BB ratio in 32 1/3 innings for the Nationals, so the A’s are certainly getting a quality reliever. Kelley will join a more proactive playoff race, as the A’s opened Sunday five games out of first place in the AL West and holding the second Wild Card slot.
The A’s previously bolstered their bullpen in July, acquiring closer Jeurys Familia from the Mets. Kelley and Familia will handle the later innings, setting up for closer Blake Treinen.
