Washington Times · Apr 24, 2018
Nationals’ middle relief opens gap from starter to closer
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (21) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Washington. Atlanta won 5-3. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) **FILE**“Stuck in the Middle with You,” was a catchy bit of FM ear candy in the 1970s, but there’s nothing sweet about what the Nationals are stuck with in the middle of their pitching rotation these days.
Getting from their All-Star-level starters to the team’s more-than-solid closer has become a daily dash across a minefield for the Nationals, currently in the midst of West Coast road trip.