The Nationals released right-handers Hunter Strickland and David Hernandez today, as announced by their PR department via Twitter.
Strickland, 31, was acquired by the Nats at last year’s trade deadline. The move was notable for two reasons: in part because he’d made only 4 appearances for the Mariners at the time of the deal after coming back from injury, but more notably because of the interpersonal implications of adding Strickland to the clubhouse given his, shall we say, complicated history with the club (recapped here by Scott Allen of the Washington Post).
Of course, if there were any ill effects, it didn’t hinder the club as they went on to win the World Series, and the Nats spoke highly of Strickland during his time in Washington. Strickland, for his part, contributed as a middle-innings reliever when the Nats were most desperate for one, putting up a 3.14 ERA in August. Unfortunately, the good times did not last for Strickland, whose season came off the rails as he finished the year with a less-than-impressive 5.14 ERA/6.31 FIP as the Nats turned to Daniel Hudson, Sean Doolittle, Tanner Rainey and Fernando Rodney for important innings down the stretch.
A propensity for surrendering long balls eventually cost Strickland his spot on the playoff roster. Strickland gave up 3 home runs in two appearances against the Dodgers in the NLDS, raising his playoff total to a somewhat remarkable 9 home runs against in just 13 career playoff innings. After his release, MASN’s Mark Zuckerman notes that the Nats will remain on the hook for about one-quarter of his $1.6MM contract signed this offseason.
Hernandez, 35, was brought in on a minor league deal after a tough season last year with the Reds. Hernandez racked up an 8.02 ERA over 47 appearances, though a 4.34 FIP certainly paints a much different picture of his season.
The Nationals also optioned Jake Noll, Aaron Barrett, Ben Braymer and Kyle McGowin to Triple-A. Jacob Wilson, Brandon Snyder, Taylor Gushue, JB Shuck, Dakota Bacus, Bryan Bonnell and Wil Crowe were reassigned to minor league camp.
It’s worth noting, the announcement of roster moves at this time is a little surprising, given the state of affairs. There was talk of a freeze on roster moves, but there was not a formal directive to do so.
that injury must have really messed up his game
Would be the Pirates biggest pickup if they sign him
No, the Cubbies need him.
The only way the Cubs stay out of the basement is if the season gets cancelled!!
You’re an idiot. You give our fanbase a bad name!!
Looks to me like he’s a south sider maybe not a cubs fan but rather a soxs fan trolling the cubs?
Who’s the idiot now? Duh
He still throws upper 90’s, so couldn’t be anything physically would think.
Same lack of command he’s always had and a league that has seen him for several years.
Strickland could benefit from returning home to the sox organization. Moving to the AL facing different hitters from what he has faced most of his career could be beneficial. He would be cheap with upside which boston could use. Plus, they drafted him so I’m sure he is already familiar with people inside the front office
Really says a lot to be released when playing is suspended.
Liked for the funny value.
Relievers are often good bounceback candidates when they switch coaching staffs tho
Bryce Harper applauds this decision
Phillies could use Strickland.
Phillies could use another NL East team picking up Strickland.
Absolutely no one:
Phillies fans: sign every pitcher that becomes available !!
Hot Stove is somehow back.
Still waiting for Difo to get cut. Jeesh a waste of roster spot.
Giants take a flyer on him maybe. Our bullpen is weak as it is. Maybe adding WEAKER makes us STRONGER.
No way. He’s good for batting practice.
Looks like the end for David (I was traded for Mark Reynolds) Hernandez. Although I would have predicted Reynolds’ career would have lasted the longer of the two.
Strickland is flat out not good. Always had tantalizing talent. But he’s a thrower and can’t handle pressure situations. Giants fans were thrilled when he was given his walking papers. Some team will take a flier but they too will be underwhelmed.
Really hoping the Twins take a chance Strickland, they got one spot open in the bullpen and their new approach to pitching mechanics could very well push him to the same level May and Duffey.
And y’all thought Sam Dyson was disappointing …
Strickland is Jonathan Paplebon without any of the personality (look up Paplebon/Manny Delcarmen “Blame it on the Rain”). Just a hot temper (probably ‘roids) and no real ability.
it’s not roids, it’s natural.
as in, he’s naturally an a$shole
Man, I loved Manny DelCarmen, I always thought that he would be something special but alas as usual I was wrong
Strickland wishes he was Papelbon.
Off to the Phillies with his bud Bryce
I hope the Orioles pickup this guy.
As a Yankee fan I do also.
Million dollar arm, 10 cent brain.
Strickland throws hard and straight so gets pounded. he’s just not good.
can’t ever forget his ridiculous antics on the mound against Bryce Harper. His Giants teammates were not amused…
Needs to go to the AL.