September workload is mental challenge for Finnegan, relievers

Kyle Finnegan is in his ninth professional season, his sixth as a full-time reliever, and he's been fairly durable the entire time.

He has not, however, found himself taking on the kind of workload required of him this season in Washington.

The next time Finnegan takes the mound, whether this afternoon at Nationals Park or in the coming days during the final road trip of the season, he'll do so for the 63rd time this season. He's currently tied for the 18th-most appearances by a National League reliever, so what he's doing it hardly uncommon.

But it is new for the 30-year-old, who only made his major league debut last year during the pandemic-shortened season, making this his first full big league season. For someone in Finnegan's position, it can be a difficult task, especially during these final weeks of September on a non-contender.

That's why manager Davey Martinez is trying to get Finnegan (and others on the Nationals pitching staff) to try a little mind trick on himself that might help him get through this home stretch.

"Think about it like this: There's a lot of other guys right now in his position," Martinez said Saturday in a Zoom session with reporters. "Some of these guys are actually going to the playoffs and are going to pitch a lot more. So for me, it's more of a mental thing. I want him to understand: Put yourself in a spot where you're pitching for more than just a couple more weeks. Just say we're going to the playoffs. These are the guys we're actually looking for, guys that can do that."

That, of course, is easier said than done. Finnegan, who never made more than 46 appearances in a season while in the Athletics' farm system, has enjoyed a nice season. With the Nationals having traded away Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson in July and no other relief options proving reliable late-inning options, Finnegan has become the team's de facto closer.

But after suffering back-to-back blown saves Wednesday and Friday, it's fair to wonder if the workload is starting to catch up to him.

"Physically, we're watching him. I watched him this morning again, and physically he's strong," Martinez said. "He's throwing 96-97 (mph). I think mentally, he probably is a little bit tired. He's been out there a lot. But it's something he understands he needs to keep working on."

The job of big league reliever is about results, yes, but it's also about load management. It's about learning how to keep your body and your arm in shape so you're available to pitch whenever you might be needed.

And until you've made it through an entire 162-game season, it's impossible to fully appreciate what it's like.

"This is just one of those waves for us," Finnegan said of this current stretch that has strained the entire Nationals bullpen. "We've got to be ready to go down there. We've had a bigger workload, I guess, than a normal stretch of the season. But we're all professionals. We're all down there ready to go, and making sure our bodies are right and able to compete and get the job done."

It doesn't help when the team is languishing in last place as the Nationals now are. Who wouldn't at least be tempted to look two weeks into the future, see the end of the season looming and perhaps lose a bit of edge on the mound?

That's Finnegan's No. 1 challenge now, Martinez believes.

"These next two weeks, for me, I'm looking for guys that can mentally get through this grind, and go out there and continue to perform well," the manager said. "He's done it all year. Don't get me wrong, he's been a godsend for us. He's handled the ball for multiple innings, been a five-out guy, done everything we asked him to do.

"I just want him to finish up strong and go into the winter knowing if need be next year, he can pitch the seventh, eighth and ninth inning for us, through October. Not just September, but we're looking for guys who can pitch through October for us."