Nats acquire Twins closer Kintzler for Single-A lefty

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

July 31, 2017, 12:36pm

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MIAMI - The Nationals have pulled off a deadline deal for the Twins' Brandon Kintzler, adding another late-inning arm to their reconfigured bullpen for the season's final two months, according to a source familiar with the trade.

In exchange for Kintzler, who converted 28-of-32 save opportunities with a 2.78 ERA this year, the Nationals are sending Single-A left-handed Tyler Watson to Minnesota, according to the source.

Kintzler Throws Twins Sidebar.jpg Whether Kintzler takes over ninth-inning duties for the Nationals remains to be seen, but in acquiring the veteran right-hander - he turns 33 on Tuesday - general manager Mike Rizzo has completed a midsummer makeover of what had been the majors' least effective bullpen through the season's first half.

Two weeks ago, Rizzo acquired Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle from the Athletics for reliever Blake Treinen and two prospects. Now to that late-inning mix he has added Kintzler, who has a 3.24 ERA in eight big league seasons and over the last 1 1/2 years ascended to the closer role with the Twins.

Kintzler, who is owed roughly $1 million the rest of the season, will be eligible for free agency in November.

Unlike most modern closers, Kintzler does not possess swing-and-miss stuff; he has struck out only 5.4 batters per nine innings this season. But he has excelled at inducing weak contact and groundballs, with only 11 walks issued and three homers surrendered in 45 1/3 innings.