Washington Nationals Sign Reliever Jonny Venters to a Minor League Deal

Former Atlanta Braves reliever and 2018 National League Comeback Player of the Year Jonny Venters has signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. The two sides came to an agreement and Venters will start off at Double-A Harrisburg. Venters, who was released by Atlanta earlier this month, has struggled mightily this season after his comeback last year.

Venters underwent three Tommy John surgeries in his career and missed five years. Last season he had a 3.67 ERA with 27 strikeouts and 15 holds in 34.1/3 innings while with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays. Opponents only hit .208 against him as he had an impressive K/9 rate of 7.08. He also had a K/BB rate of 1.69.

Unfortunately for Venters this year, he hasn’t been able to replicate his 2018 resurgence. In 4 2/3 innings this season he has allowed nine earned runs and has an ERA of 17.36. He has walked eight and only stuck out seven. His velocity has still stayed relatively the same, but he has lost control from last year. He has allowed more batters to reach base against him this year, than he has retired.

The Nationals bullpen is one of the worst in the league and they are looking for any ray of hope. Last year they signed Greg Holland after he was cut by the Cardinals due to having an awful first half. He was able to rebound with Washington and looked like his former self. Washington is hoping Venters can do the same as Holland a year ago and bring some stability to the bullpen.

Feature Image From AJC.com

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