Paolo Espino put up a 2.03 ERA, a 3.05 FIP, four walks, 20 Ks, and .228/.257/.317 line against in 26 2⁄3 IP out of the bullpen to start the season, but before taking the mound tonight to go up against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field, the 35-year-old veteran had a 5.52 ERA, a 6.13 FIP, nine walks, 33 Ks, and a .302/.333/.570 line against in 10 starts and 44 IP since moving into the Washington Nationals’ rotation back on June 12th.
Espino was coming off a four-inning outing in a rain-shortened 5-4 loss to the Phillies which saw him give up seven hits (two homers) and five earned runs in a 71-pitch appearance.