While the Washington Nationals had plenty to celebrate in Tuesday’s 25-4 win, general manager Mike Rizzo was furious after an outburst from relief pitcher Shawn Kelley.
During the ninth inning, Kelley allowed a solo home run to New York Mets outfielder Austin Jackson. The 34-year-old reliever immediately slammed his glove down into the dirt and stared into his dugout, all of this came when Washington had a 21-run lead.
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On Wednesday morning, Kelley was designated for assignment by the Nationals. In the clubhouse before their next game, Rizzo ripped into the veteran reliever and explained why he was let go.
“It was pretty cut and dry, you guys saw it. I thought the act he portrayed on the field last night was disrespectful to the name on the front of the jersey, the organization, specifically Davey Martinez,” Rizzo said, via ESPN. “You’re either in or you’re in the way and I thought he was in the way.”
Before last night, Kelley had been one of Washington’s best relievers. In 32.1 innings this season, Kelly had a 3.43 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 32 strikeouts. The righty had been especially sharp in the past two months with a 2.82 ERA in 22.1 innings.
However, the act proved to be far too disrespectful in Rizzo’s eyes and something he felt Kelley could not come back from and return to the clubhouse.
“That’s something that you don’t come back from. It was a disrespectful act and I thought it warranted him leaving the team,” Rizzo said, via ESPN. “I couldn’t see how he could face the rest of his teammates, the coaching staff and the manager again after such a selfish act in a 25-1 game”
It’s a bold move to make for a team that could use all the help it can get if it wants to have any shot at competing for a playoff spot. Rizzo was prepared to move on and seems confident the team will move on without Kelley.
While the outburst will hurt the veteran, Kelley will likely find work in the near future. Teams across the league are in need of bullpen help and outside of last night, he has been excellent on the mound.