Nationals reportedly sign Yusmeiro Petit for bullpen depth

By Josh Land

Nationals

December 09, 2015, 4:02pm

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NASHVILLE - The Nationals' efforts to rebuild their bullpen continued Wednesday night at the Winter Meetings. The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports that Washington has reached a one-year deal with right-hander Yusmeiro Petit, late of the Giants.

Petit, 31, has bounced back and forth from the bullpen to the starting rotation during his eight-year career in the majors. He made just one start in 2015 and 41 appearances as a reliever, posting a 3.67 ERA with 59 strikeouts and 15 walks over 76 innings.

Petit made his big league debut with Marlins in 2006 before moving on for three seasons with the Diamondbacks. After spending a couple of years in the minors, Petit returned the majors with the Giants in 2012. He's 20-27 with a 4.59 ERA (3.92 ERA as a reliever) and 1.26 WHIP in his career. As a former starter, Petit is capable of providing long relief out of the bullpen.

One of the high points of Petit's career came at Nationals Park during the marathon 18-inning Game 2 in the 2014 National League Division Series. Petit handcuffed the Nats over six scoreless innings from the 12th to the 17th, allowing just one hit and claiming the win in the pivotal game.

Petit went 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in four appearances in the 2014 postseason, helping the Giants to a World Series title.

The Nationals also reportedly agreed to terms with veteran right-hander Shawn Kelley earlier in the week. The team has not announced either move.