The Washington Nationals optioned right-hander Zak Kent to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday night, shortly after their sixth consecutive loss.
Kent’s demotion came following a 5-4 defeat to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The move was announced by Nationals Communications after Washington’s bullpen surrendered a three-run lead in the final innings.
The timing was particularly notable because Kent had done his job. The 28-year-old threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out a batter on 34 pitches.
Kent has made nine appearances for Washington this season, including one start, and owns a 5.68 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.
His latest outing was not enough to keep him on the major league roster as Washington looks to manage a heavily used bullpen during the final weeks of the season.
The Nationals entered Wednesday 67-80 and had already been eliminated from postseason contention. They also placed right-hander Matt Waldron and right-hander Orlando Ribalta on the 15-day injured list earlier in the week, adding to their need for fresh pitching.
Tuesday’s loss provided another reminder of Washington’s bullpen problems. The Nationals led 4-1 before the Padres scored four times in the eighth inning, highlighted by Manny Machado’s game-tying two-run single and Luis Campusano’s go-ahead hit.
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
For Kent, the move appears less about what happened Tuesday and more about the Nationals’ need to keep cycling available arms.
Washington has 15 games remaining, giving the organization an opportunity to evaluate different pitchers before the offseason. Kent’s previous experience moving between Rochester and the majors could also make him a candidate to return if another bullpen opening emerges.
For now, however, the Nationals are sending him back to Triple-A after one of his better appearances of the season.
