The Washington Nationals are making a move that could potentially bolster their struggling bullpen. They are set to select the contract of left-hander Tom Cosgrove, who was recently acquired from the Astros. This decision comes as the team deals with a series of injuries to their relief corps, which has a collective 5.04 ERA, better than only three other teams in the league.
Cosgrove, 30, has had a tumultuous season so far. He began with the Houston Astros on a minor league deal, logging 29 1/3 Triple-A innings with a 4.30 earned run average and a 21.3% strikeout rate. However, his control issues were evident as he walked 21 of the 136 batters he faced, an alarming 15.4% pace, and hit nine batters, resulting in 22% of opponents getting a free pass to first base. Despite these concerns, the Nationals sent cash considerations to the Astros and acquired Cosgrove, who has since made one appearance for Triple-A Rochester, putting up a zero while striking out three of the five batters he faced.
What makes this move particularly interesting is the Nationals' current situation. With a 48-46 record and four games out of a playoff spot, they are in a race to make the postseason. The team's bullpen has been a weak link, and the recent injuries to Mitchell Parker and Richard Lovelady have only exacerbated the issue. The Nationals have been trying to bolster their bullpen, and Cosgrove's selection could be a strategic move to address this need. However, it also raises questions about the team's long-term strategy and whether they are willing to invest in their bullpen for the future.
From my perspective, the Nationals' decision to select Cosgrove is a risk worth taking. While his control issues are concerning, his low slot pitching style and previous success with the Padres suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the bullpen. However, it is also important to note that the Nationals' current situation is a result of their own making, and they may need to make more moves to address their bullpen issues before the August 3 deadline. If they hang in the race, perhaps they can make some more moves to address the bullpen before the August 3 deadline. Though if they fall back, they would become more likely to trade pitching away.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Nationals' need for a reliable left-handed reliever. With Parker and Lovelady on the injured list, the team is in a bind, and Cosgrove's selection could provide some much-needed relief. However, it is also important to consider the long-term implications of this move. The Nationals may be setting themselves up for success in the future by adding a reliable left-handed reliever to their bullpen. However, they may also be taking on unnecessary risk by acquiring a player with control issues.
In my opinion, the Nationals' decision to select Cosgrove is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. While his control issues are concerning, his low slot pitching style and previous success suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the bullpen. However, it is also important to note that the team's current situation is a result of their own making, and they may need to make more moves to address their bullpen issues before the August 3 deadline. If they hang in the race, perhaps they can make some more moves to address the bullpen before the August 3 deadline. Though if they fall back, they would become more likely to trade pitching away.
