Madson, Doolittle bolster Nats’ pen

CINCINNATI Looking to fortify a bullpen that has blown more than a third of its save chances, the Nationals acquired relievers RyanMadson and Sean Doolittle from the A’s for pitcher BlakeTreinen and two prospects.

Lefty Jesus Luzardo and infielder Sheldon Neuse were sent to theA’s as part of Sunday’s deal.

Madson, 36, has a 2.06 ERA and is seventh among relievers in hits pluswalks per inning at 0.79. The right-hander has not allowed any of the seven inherited runners to score in his last 13 appearances and has held oppo- nents to a .188 batting average.

Doolittle, 30, is a lefty who has held left-handed batters hitless in 23 at-bats this season with 12 strikeouts and nowalks. He is 1-0 with three saves, a 3.38 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 211⁄ innings.

“We got two quality human beingswhoare greatteammates,” NatsGMMike Rizzo said. “They can pitch at the end of games and get three outs. We can stabilize our entire bullpen.”

The NL East-leading Nationals have a strong rotation led by Max Scherzer (11-5), Stephen Strasburg (9-3) and Gio Gonzalez (8-4) but have converted just 22 of 36 save chances.

Manager Dusty Baker said he had talked toMadson and Doolittle.

“They’re extremely excited to get into the mix and pitch for a contender,” said Baker, choosing not to name either the closer.

“They both have had arm problems, so it could be both of them.”

Daniel Murphy hit two of the Nats’ five home runs and had five RBIs in a 14-4 rout of the Reds.

Adam Lind and Jose Lobaton added two-run homers and AnthonyRendon had a solo shot, his third home run in two games.

The Nationals have won four straight and eight of their last 10.