The Washington Nationals have contacted the Toronto Blue Jays about a pair of relievers, Ken Giles and Daniel Hudson, to bolster their bullpen down the stretch, according to MLB.com.
The Nats boast baseball's best record since May 24 (36-16), but the bullpen is overworked. That fact was underlined Thursday, when 42-year-old reliever Fernando Rodney blew a ninth-inning lead against the Rockies. Rodney had pitched both games of Wednesday's doubleheader.
Either Giles, who has 14 saves, a 1.59 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 34 games, or Hudson (2.80 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 42 appearances) could make a difference as the Nats battle for a playoff spot. Giles, 28, is under control through the 2020 season, while the 32-year-old Hudson is a free agent after the season.
According to multiple reports, the Twins and Red Sox, among other teams, have reportedly expressed interest in both pitchers, and the Yankees are reportedly interested in Giles.