Saul

Rivera

Rivera spent five days with the Nats last month, but he didn’t get into a game. He’ll be used in middle relief. It might be that the Nationals will return him to the minors and recall an outfielder later this week.

Rivera joined up with the Tribe this offseason on a minor league contract, but hasn’t been able to pitch himself out of Triple-A Columbus. He should be helpful in Arizona, though, where the late-innings bullpen corps has been a disaster. Chad Qualls is still the closer, and Aaron Heilman is probably next in line now. Rivera fits somewhere in middle relief.

How very Howrian. Cameron Maybin and Dan Uggla hit back-to-back homers off Rivera, who was acquired from the Indians on Monday. The 32-year-old reliever gave up just four homers in 177 innings out of the pen for the Nats between 2007 and 2008, but he’s not the same pitcher he was then.

Rivera has been a reliable workhorse for the Nats for three years running, but he was off to a rough start this season. Oddly, the team still turned to him in the ninth inning today with a 4-3 lead against the Marlins. He blew the save, was left in to give up four runs and now gets completely hung out to dry as a reward for his service to the team. It’s an awful way to treat a guy who has pitched almost 250 innings in three years, all while making practically the minimum salary. Rivera, though, will be brought back. Others involved in today’s purge probably won’t be. With four open roster spots, the Nats will call up Kip Wells, Garrett Mock, Jason Bergmann and Jordan Zimmermann, Monday’s scheduled starter.

Rivera had an 8.49 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 11 2/3 innings for the Nationals. That kind of performance is unacceptable, even in Washington. He’ll try to iron out his mechanics down in Triple-A.

Rivera was part of the team’s roster purge after blowing a save on Sunday, but gets the call back to the big league club two days later thanks to Joe Beimel’s hip injury. Rivera has struggled thus far this season, posting a 12.27 ERA in 7 1/3 innings for the Nationals.

Rivera had an 8.49 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP in 11 2/3 innings for the Nationals earlier this season. He’s done well at Triple-A since his demotion, so there is hope he’ll fare a little better this time around.

Jesus Colome would also be an option, but he needs to be more consistent. Rivera is the Nationals’ most reliable reliever, but he’s probably best utilized in a multi-inning setup role, which is what he’s been doing for a couple of years now. Don’t be surprised to see Hanrahan get the first shot. He probably has the best stuff in the pen, and he’s pitched pretty well since the beginning of May. He’s wild, but he’s the one person who could run away with the job.

Rivera had a 6.10 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP and a 21/14 K/BB ratio in 38 1/3 innings this past season for the Nationals. His release clears the way for Brian Bruney, who has been acquired from the Yankees.

The 32-year-old had a 6.10 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP and a 21/14 K/BB ratio in 38 1/3 innings this past season for the Nationals. He was released earlier this month. Rivera was 13-15 with a 4.05 ERA in 245 appearances for the Nats over the last four seasons. He has a shot to win a middle relief role with the Indians in spring training.