In his column for FOX Sports on Sunday, Jon Morosi reports that the Nationals are still trying to trade reliever Drew Storen.
As presently situated, Storen would be setting up for closer Jonathan Papelbon. However, that was a role in which Storen famously struggled after the Nationals acquired Papelbon in a trade with the Phillies ahead of the July trade deadline. A look at his numbers before and after the acquisition:
- Before Papelbon: 36 1/3 IP, 29 saves in 31 chances, 1.73 ERA, 44 K, 9 BB, 1 HR
- After Papelbon: 18 2/3 IP, 2 losses, 3 blown saves, 5 holds, 6.75 ERA, 23 K, 7 BB, 3 HR
Storen’s season ended in mid-September when he broke his thumb angrily slamming his locker shut. That followed his second consecutive outing against the Mets in which he allowed a crucial run. The right-hander is entering his fourth and final year of arbitration eligibility and can become a free agent after the 2016 season.