The Washington Nationals, looking to upgrade their bullpen as they try to qualify for this season’s MLB playoffs, signed three-time All-Star reliever Greg Holland to a Minor League deal on Monday.
Holland will report to the Nationals’ triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, New York and look to work his way towards joining the big league team as they fight to qualify for October baseball.
The veteran right-handed reliever was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this month after a horrendous stint with the NL West club in 2019. After signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Arizona in the offseason, Holland unraveled, posting a 4.54 ERA in 40 appearances with the team.
Holland will now get a second lease on life with the team that traded for him at the deadline last season. The North Carolina native excelled with the Nationals in 20 appearances last year, putting up a stellar 0.84 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 20.1 innings pitched over the stretch run.
Washington has been looking to upgrade its bullpen throughout the season. The current NL Wild Card leaders have won in spite of its relief corps this season, as they’ve watched their relievers struggle with a 6.05 ERA this season, the 2nd-worst mark in the MLB.
Holland could become a key piece down the stretch run for Washington if he can rediscover his All-Star form.
