Nats shake up bullpen by acquiring Jonathan Papelbon (updated)

MIAMI - The Nationals have reportedly made a trade with the Phillies for closer Jonathan Papelbon. The acquisition of the veteran right-hander seemingly demotes current Nationals closer Drew Storen to a setup role for the third time in his six-year career.

The Nationals have not officially announced any deal, though multiple media outlets have reported its completion. The Washington Post and FOX Sports were the first to report.

Papelbon, 34, was 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 1.59 ERA for Philadelphia this season. According to reports, the fiery Papelbon made it clear he needed to be the closer for whichever team traded for his services. His 342 career saves rank 12th all-time.

storen-pumped-NLDS-red-sidebar.jpgStoren boasts a 1.73 ERA with 29 saves, third best in the majors. However, Storen has left doubts with the Nationals after struggling in the 2012 and 2014 National League Division Series.

Papelbon saved three games including the clincher for the Red Sox in the 2007 World Series. Overall, he's 2-1 with 1.00 ERA and seven saves in 18 postseason appearances.

Reports have the Nationals sending right-handed prospect Nick Pivetta to the Phillies. The 22-year-old was Washington's fourth-round selection in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. The 6-foot-4 Pivetta was 7-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 17 starts for Single-A Potomac and Double-Harrisburg this year.

Nationals manager Matt Williams addressed Storen's mindset before tonight's game with all of the trade speculation flying around.

"(Storen's) ready to pitch," Williams said. "He's eager to pitch. Tonight, if we get in a situation where we've got the lead in the ninth, he's getting the baseball. And he's eager for that. I know that."

Update: The Nationals officially announced the deal during the tonight's game in Miami. Along with Papelbon, the Nationals will also receive cash considerations.




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