After a rough start to the Spring Training campaign, the Washington Nationals decided to release relief pitcher Hunter Strickland over the weekend.
Strickland made seven appearances prior to the the Grapefruit League’s cancellation, posting a bloated 10.80 ERA.
The 31-year-old righty, a long-time member of the San Francisco Giants’ bullpen, started off the 2019 season as a member of the Seattle Mariners. He was traded to the eventual World Series champions just before the Trade Deadline in exchange for pitching prospect Aaron Fletcher after making only 4 appearances for the team.
Strickland was meant to help a struggling Nationals bullpen, but struggled himself, posting a 5.14 ERA in 24 appearances for the team. He did make the team’s National League Division Series roster, but got roughed up in two appearances, allowing four runs.
He was subsequently left off of the team’s NL Championship Series and World Series rosters.
Now, Strickland, the owner of a career 3.14 ERA over six Major League seasons, will look to stick on another team’s roster. The big righty is the owner of a big fastball, but has struggled with his secondary pitches and command at times.
Expect the Georgia native to sign for a new team before the 2020 season starts.
