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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Washington Nationals should make

By Matt Whitener

Jun 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jake Odorizzi

For a team that could carry a rotation featuring Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark, Gio Gonzalez, Joe Ross and Giolito as options for their starting rotation, why should they entertain looking into yet another starter as well?

Mainly because, a) one can never have enough pitching, and b) it is a rotation that is quietly susceptible to being vulnerable by season’s end. Strasburg’s health is never something to bank on, and Ross has joined him in falling to injury woes recently. Gonzalez has underwhelming tremendously after a hot start, carrying an ERA north of 6.00 in May and June. Giolito has the talent, but there could be innings concerns that could come into play and he could potentially be better utilized as an impact relief option in an effort to keep him active and effective.

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After all of that dust settles it leaves Scherzer and Roark as absolutely dependable options and Scherzer as the sole long-term proven one. Odorizzi would provide a steady and dependable option that at the very least provides quality insurance for the Nats rotation, but also potentially puts them over the top in a full four-man postseason rotation, capable of trading nightly blows with the deep San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs rotations.

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