WEST SACRAMENTO -- The Nationals’ embattled bullpen is down another key piece.
Poulin had a 2.70 ERA, the lowest of any Nats hurler to pitch five or more innings this season, before landing on the IL. His last outing came prior to the All-Star break, on July 11 against the Mets, when he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings as an opener with three strikeouts.
Poulin first dealt with the forearm issue “a couple weeks ago,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said after Sunday’s game, but a recent resurgence was cause for concern.
“It calmed down a bit and then flared back up again yesterday,” Butera said. “Just wanted to be cautious with him given the fact that he hadn’t pitched and it flared up again. Decided to get him on the IL. We’ll get some imaging done and see what it looks like.”
Poulin’s injury is another blow for a Nationals bullpen that entered the day with a 5.17 ERA, which ranked 28th in the Major Leagues. Right-hander Brad Lord landed on the IL on July 9 with left side tightness and has begun playing catch but is not yet facing hitters.
To replace Poulin on the roster, the Nationals re-signed left-hander Matt Krook to a Major League contract. Washington claimed Krook off waivers from the A’s on July 4, and he had a 6.75 ERA in three appearances before being designated for assignment on July 12.
Krook elected free agency two days later, but spent the All-Star break at his parents’ home near Sacramento, continuing to throw and stay ready in case he was needed -- and he was.
“We left on great terms, obviously, and it seems like there was a need here today and for the next little bit,” Krook said. “I’m happy to be the one they picked.”
To make room for Krook on the 40-man roster, the Nationals transferred left-hander Richard Lovelady to the 60-day injured list. Lovelady, originally placed on the 15-day IL on June 29, has been progressing with strengthening activity but was not near a return. He had a 3.91 ERA in 27 appearances for Washington this season.
Despite the bad news on Poulin, the Nationals’ bullpen is in better shape than might have been expected after three games at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. Starters Cade Cavalli, Zack Littell and Foster Griffin each cleared the sixth inning, leaving less stress on Washington’s relief arms.
With three games looming at another noted hitters’ park -- Coors Field in Denver -- that could be crucial.
“It’s great, especially out of the break,” Griffin said. “I feel like some guys might come out a little flat and be a little rusty, but all three of us were able to get through six-plus innings, so that was huge for us.”