District 34 podcast: Nats make blockbuster trade to bolster bullpen

It was always a matter of when not if the Nationals would make a trade to bolster their bullpen, and it finally happened over the weekend.

Byron Kerr and I are back to break down the acquisition of right-hander Ryan Madson and left-hander Sean Doolittle from the A's and the ripple effect on the Nats bullpen on a new episode of the District 34 podcast.

Madson and Doolittle both made their Nationals debuts in a 4-3 win over the Angels Tuesday night, with the righty putting together a shutdown eight inning and the southpaw getting out of some trouble to close out the win in the ninth.

So what does the Nats 'pen look like from here on out? And perhaps the biggest question the Nats now face with the departure of Blake Trienen is who assumes the long-relief role? Is another trade in the works or does someone in-house step up?

From the starting pitching standpoint, Edwin Jackson made a spectacular return to the Nationals, pitching seven innings of three-hit, two-run ball while earning the win over the Halos. What does Jackson's performance mean for him and the rotation moving forward?

And to wrap up this first post-All-Star break episode, Byron and I look at the dominating Nationals lineup and provide some injury updates on Jayson Werth, Michael A. Taylor and Trea Turner.

Thanks for listening and spreading the word! Be sure to subscribe, rate and review District 34 on iTunes and Google Play! And we want to hear from you: Who do you think becomes the new long-relief man and should Mike Rizzo make another trade before the July 31 deadline?

Leave your answers in the comments section below! And feel free to hit all three of us up on Twitter @Bobby_Blanco, @masnKerr and @PaulMancano.

Music: http://www.bensound.com