Papelbon released, now a free agent

The Nationals released former closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The move came Saturday when the Nationals needed a roster spot to recall right-hander Reynaldo Lopez to start against the Braves.

A little over a year after the Nationals acquired him from the Phillies to replace Drew Storen as their closer, Papelbon became a free agent. He can sign with any team, but the Nationals are responsible for the remainder of his $11 million salary this year.

The six-time All-Star had a tumultuous tenure in WashingFour ton that included him grabbing National League MVP Bryce Harper by the throat during a dugout altercation in September, an action that led to a seven-game suspension.

The Nationals tried to trade Papelbon in the offseason but found no takers.

This season, Papelbon converted 19 of 22 save opportunities but struggled in July and has a career-worst 4.37 ERA.

His most recent blown save came July 26, when he failed to retire any of the five batters he faced and couldn’t hold a tworun lead as the Nationals lost 7-6 to the Indians.

days later on July 30, the Nationals acquired All-Star Mark Melancon from the Pirates. Papelbon has made just two appearances since then.

Papelbon’s 368 saves are the ninth-most all-time and third among active relievers. A fourthround pick of the Red Sox in 2003, he spent seven years in Boston and helped the Red Sox win the 2007 World Series.

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the team might have interest in Papelbon.

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