Nationals Bullpen Struggles Continue

0:00It's April 8th. I'm Corey with The Story. This is MLB News Today, driven by AI and built for baseball fans. Washington National's fans are bracing for another rough ride with the bullpen, just like last season. Through the first 11 games, they blown leads in three losses over the last seven days against the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals. Their ERA sits at 6.39. First in the 5.59, they posted last year when they were dead last in the majors. Earlier this week, they nearly coughed up a fourth game, but the offense built them out with late heroics. Spring training gave some hope for improvement, but so far is looking even shakier than before. Fans are pointing fingers everywhere, from owner Mark Lerner, for skimping on cash for top relievers, to president of baseball operations Paul Taboni. For patching together a staff from minor league deals and waivers, and even manager Blake Boutera for his choices in the late innings.

1:00The offense has shown up enough to win, making the bullpen the clear weak link. Meanwhile, recent trades brought in future pieces like Catcher Harry Ford and pitcher Lewis Peralis from the Texas Rangers, but nothing to fix the bullpen right now. Shuffling waivers or minor leagueers won't cut it without real talent inside. Feel the front office shifts gears and spins big or hunts trades aggressively. Nats fans are stuck watching these meltdowns. It's a tough spot, but that's the reality staring them down this season.