Bullpen, bench could see changes in 2014

By Bill Ladson

September 11, 2013

NEW YORK -- Even though the Nationals are making a run at the second and final National League Wild Card spot, look for them to make some changes after the season comes to end.

The bullpen is average at best, so look for general manager Mike Rizzo to sign some left-handed relievers during the offseason. They are currently using Ian Krol and Fernando Abad as the lefties out of the bullpen, but Abad is having problems getting left-handed hitters out [.327], while Krol has a 6.00 ERA since the All-Star break.

Also look for a lot of changes on the bench. Of all the players on the active roster, Scott Hairston and Steve Lombardozzi are the only reserves who are expected to be back for the 2014 season.

Look for the Nationals to try to acquire some left-handed hitters for the bench. Lefty Chad Tracy hasn't been able to get the job done like he did last year.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashinNats.