Paolo Espino was winless (0-2) in seven starts since he moved into the Nationals’ rotation in mid-June before tonight’s outing, with a 4.88 ERA, 5.65 FIP, eight walks, 26 strikeouts, and a .286/.329/.532 line against over 31 1⁄3 IP, after he’d 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.
Last time out before tonight, the 35-year-old right-hander gave up six hits (two home runs) and four runs total, three earned, in 5 1⁄3 IP against the Atlanta Braves.