The Nationals have reportedly agreed to a deal with veteran reliever Greg Holland, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman tweeted Sunday night. The Nationals have been in the market for bullpen help with closer Sean Doolittle on the disabled list due to a pinched nerve in his left foot.
Holland, 32, is a three-time All-Star who led the National League in saves last season with the Rockies. But the veteran was released this week after a disappointing stint with the Cardinals. He cleared waivers, meaning Washington would not have to pay what remains of his 2018 salary.
After a lengthy free agency, Holland signed a one-year, $14 million deal to be the Cardinals' closer at the start of the regular season. St. Louis also gave up the No. 59 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft as compensation. Holland never claimed the closer's role, however, going 0-for-3 in save opportunities and posting a 7.92 ERA through 32 appearances. He also spent nearly a month on the disabled list with a right hip impingement.
The Washington Post, in a report earlier Sunday that said the deal was close, suggests the Nationals can be patient working Holland into their bullpen by putting him in low-leverage situations until he proves himself capable of more. Despite missing Doolittle, Washington still has Ryan Madson and Kelvin Herrera available for late-inning relief.