The Washington Nationals continue to work to try to upgrade their bullpen ahead of a potential playoff run.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Nationals have acquired Daniel Hudson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Johnston. They are also reportedly close to adding reliever Roenis Elias from the Seattle Mariners.
Source confirms: #Nationals get Daniel Hudson from #BlueJays for Kyle Johnson. First reported: Scott Mitchell of TSN in Canada.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2019
#Nationals close to acquiring LH Roenis Elias from #Mariners, source tells The Athletic. Would join Daniel Hudson as bullpen addition.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2019
Hudson has been a revelation for Toronto this season. He has appeared in 45 games with a 3.00 ERA, striking out a batter an inning. Those numbers are significantly better than most of the Nationals bullpen, Sean Doolittle excepted. He could immediately slot into a setup role and strengthen Washington in the later innings.
Elias, meanwhile, has a 4.40 ERA in 44 appearances this season. He does have a track record of success, having posted a 2.65 ERA in 2018.
