Nick Piccone
That’s probably how the trade was supposed to go down, but it doesn’t make it any less infuriating. Today, the Phillies traded Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals for right-handed minor leaguer, Nick Pivetta.
Pivetta, who is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts since being promoted to Double A Harrisburg, is probably not going to affect the Phillies either way in his career. Losing Papelbon makes the Phillies and even worse team.
Papelbon will now be the Nationals closer, as the team is prepared to move current closer, Drew Storen, into the 8th inning set-up man role.
Odubel Herrera is probably the happiest Phillie at the moment. And maybe Ken Giles.
Giles on Papelbon: "I can’t thank him enough for guiding me through the way of the closer. I think I’m going to be a great closer."
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 29, 2015