The bullpen woes of the Nationals are well documented, with an ERA of 6.01 by relievers through Monday.
But Washington, with the trade deadline Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST, could be on the prowl for starting pitchers as well, after a thrashing of 11-8 by the first-place Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Nationals Park.
Pitcher Erick Fedde (1-2), in his ninth start of the season, gave up nine runs on nine hits — including two homers — in just 3 2/3 innings against the Braves.
Josh Donaldson crushed a three-run homer in fourth and Adam Duvall later added a solo shot to make it 9-0 and send Fedde to the showers.