Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Struggling reliever Jonathan Papelbon asked the Washington Nationals to release him, ESPN reports, and the team is internally discussing granting his request.
Sources told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick that the team is working to determine the best way to go about releasing Papelbon. The former closer could be released as soon as Saturday, with the team looking to add scheduled starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez to its active roster.
Papelbon was replaced as the Nationals’ closer earlier this season after the team acquired Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The 25-year-old righty has 19 saves this season and a career-worst 4.37 ERA. He was also involved in a dugout altercation with Nationals star Bryce Harper last season.
Papelbon will be a free agent after the 2016 season ends.
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