The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to beef up their iffy bullpen for the stretch run.
As initially reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are acquiring reliever Ryan Madson from the Washington Nationals after claiming him on waivers.
#Dodgers acquiring Ryan Madson from #Nationals, source tells The Athletic. Return not yet known. Claim of Madson first reported by @kengurnick.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 31, 2018
Madson is a veteran with a record of success, but he has struggled this season, posting a 5.28 ERA for Washington and allowing six home runs in only 44 innings.
Adding relief help is a no-brainer for Los Angeles, who have really needed it after their relievers posted a 4.73 ERA during the month of August. Normally reliable closer Kenley Jansen missed a large part of the month with a heart issue before struggling upon his return. The Dodgers are still very much battling for playoff positioning, so taking a flier on an experienced reliever makes sense.
