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Nats add Martin, Grace to overworked 'pen

By Bill Ladson

ST. LOUIS -- Needing to replenish an overworked bullpen, the Nationals recalled right-hander Rafael Martin and left-hander Matt Grace from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Help was needed because six relievers pitched six innings in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals.

"Both players are here and ready to go," manager Matt Williams said of Martin and Grace, who received the news of their promotions after Syracuse played Buffalo on Tuesday night. This is the second stint with the Nationals for each.

In 46 games with Syracuse this season, Martin went 5-5 with a 3.21 ERA and 12 saves in 15 chances. He held opponents to a .205 average.

Grace posted a 2.40 ERA in 28 games with Syracuse, piling up 31 strikeouts against just 16 walks. Using a hard, sinking fastball, he induced ground balls 63.6 percent of the time.

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