Nationals reportedly on verge of releasing Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon's days with the Washington Nationals appear to be over. (AP) — Jonathan Papelbon’s days with the Washington Nationals appear to be over. (AP)

The rocky relationship between Jonathan Papelbon and the Washington Nationals appears to be near the end.

According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the longtime closer may be out in Washington as soon as Saturday after sources indicated he’d asked for his release from the team.

Hearing some rumblings that the #Nationals are about to make a move with Jonathan Papelbon. Stay tuned.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 13, 2016

Papelbon has requested his release and #Nationals are trying to figure out best way to do it, industry source says. Could be soon.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 13, 2016

Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post adds that Papelbon’s time in Washington was nearing its end one way or another after the team informed him they intended to designate him for assignment on Saturday, opening up a roster spot for scheduled starter Reynaldo Lopez. Papelbon then reportedly countered by asking for his release, presumably so he can latch on with a new team sooner. Players who are designated for assignment typically have to wait a full 10 days for the move to be processed.

The Nationals are said to be doing their best to honor that request, meaning Papelbon’s Nationals career could officially be over before they take the field against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. That game, by the way, can be seen at MLB Free Game Day on Yahoo Sports. You can stream the game at Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home beginning at 7:05 p.m. ET.

One thing we know for sure: Papelbon’s time in Washington never panned out the way they hoped.

After acquiring him from the Philadelphia Phillies, Papelbon had some rough outings. Particularly in September, where he allowed runs in four of his final eight outings. With frustrations boiling over after the Nationals fell out of the playoff race, it all led to the now infamous dugout choking incident involving Papelbon and Bryce Harper.

Jonathan Papelbon (left) had a rocky relationship with Bryce Harper (right) during his brief time in Washington. (Getty Images) — Jonathan Papelbon (left) had a rocky relationship with Bryce Harper (middle) during his brief time in Washington. (Getty Images)

Many thought that would spell the end of Papelbon in Washington, especially after Papelbon filed a grievance against Washington for his season-ending suspension. The parties put it behind them though and continued working together this season. Unfortunately for Papelbon, his dominant form didn’t return in his age-35 season, leading Washington to acquired Pirates closer Mark Melancon.

If this is the end, Papelbon will end his Nationals’ season with 19 saves and a 4.37 ERA. Don’t be too concerned for his future though, as we’re sure several contenders would line up looking to add some experience to the bullpen. Needless to say, it could be an interesting 24 hours.

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