Brad Lidge #54 of the Washington Nationals walks off the field after being removed from the game in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals have likely severed ties with aging reliever Brad Lidge, designating him for assignment after a disappointing start to the season.
After losing the first two games of a three-game series against the New York Yankees, the Washington Nationals announced that they have designated reliever Brad Lidge for assignment, according to SI.com.
Lidge, 35, with 225 career saves with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, turned from ineffective into a downright liability for the Nationals in 11 appearances this season. His two appearances on Friday and Saturday against the pinstripes proved to be the final straw for Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo.
During the series with the Yankees, Lidge allowed five earned runs in just one inning pitched over two appearances, including the game-winning runs on Saturday.
Overall, Lidge has posted a team-worst 9.64 ERA this season, and walked more batters than he's struck out.
The Nationals recalled Ryan Mattheus from their minor-league system. Mattheus has been on the disabled list since May 22 with plantar faciitis, and will replace Lidge in the team's bullpen.
The Nationals signed Lidge last offseason to a one-year, $1 million contract, and they got absolutely no return on their investment. They have 10 days to decide his immediate future: place Lidge on waivers, find a trade suitor or flat-out release him.
Stay up to date with the Washington Nationals over at SB Nation's Federal Baseball.
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