Davey Martinez was asked before Wednesday’s game in Coors Field if the work that Paolo Espino did this season, first as part of Washington’s bullpen, then as part of the Nationals’ rotation, had solidified a spot for the 34-year-old right-hander on the 2022 roster. What is the message for Espino if he’s wondering what’s next?
“I tell him he did a great job,” Martinez said.
“This winter we’re going to assess everything, but he’s definitely done really well for us this year, and we’ll see what happens moving forward.”
Unfortunately for Espino, his final start of 2021 might end up being the rain-shortened, two-inning outing in Colorado, which he said would be a frustrating way to finish a big year.