With Drew Storen still on the disabled list and the Henry Rodriguez experiment now over after some disastrous recent outings, the Nationals have turned to Tyler Clippard as closer, but the team still needs some reinforcements in the bullpen. Help may be coming via trade, according to Buster Olney of ESPN:
The Nationals are actively seeking a veteran relief pitcher, and are dangling demoted starter John Lannan as possible trade bait.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 27, 2012
The unfortunate circumstance for Washington is that Lannan, a former Opening Day starter for the Nationals, has struggled mightily since his demotion to Class AAA Syracuse. His 3-5 record with a 6.12 ERA in nine starts certainly has not increased his tradeability, nor does the five million dollar salary Lannan earns make him easy to deal.
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