Nationals to use struggling Rosenthal in lower-pressure situations
The Washington Nationals are trying to build up Trevor Rosenthal's confidence.
Manager Dave Martinez said Monday the team will use the embattled reliever in "lower-pressure situations" until he regains his form, according to ESPN.
"For him, it's just about throwing strikes. I think once he gets that first out, he's going to be OK," Martinez said.
Rosenthal is in the middle of a historically horrible stretch, as he hasn't retired any of his nine batters faced this season. On Sunday, the 28-year-old tied the MLB record for most consecutive appearances without recording an out (five).
The former closer - who owns 121 career saves - has an infinite ERA right now because he hasn't registered an out yet in 2019. When he does, his ERA will fall to 189.00.
In 325 innings with the St. Louis Cardinals, Rosenthal posted a 2.99 ERA. However, he missed 2018 because of Tommy John surgery before joining the Nationals as a free agent during the winter.
Martinez acknowledged that Rosenthal - who signed a one-year, $8-million contract with a mutual option for 2020 - will have to start performing better.
"He's part of the eight," he said. "He's got to pitch, but he also understands that he has to throw strikes."