7 years agoWashington Nationals reliever Brandon Kintzler had a brutal inning in Thursday's home-opening loss against the Mets that blew the game wide open. He started the top of the seventh inning by getting Jose Reyes to pop out, but pinch-hitter Brandon Nimmo hit a double. Kintzler then walked Michael Conforto but struck out Asdrubal Cabrera. Another walk to Yoenis Cespedes loaded the bases for Jay Bruce, who hit a grand slam. These were the first runs given up by Kintzler all season, but the walks are troubling. He also didn't have a very good spring. He's mostly a ground-ball guy, so the ability to keep the ball out of the air is essential to his continued use in high-leverage situations. He's behind on the depth chart to Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, plus it's early in the season. His value in holds leagues will take a dive if more outings like this one happen.--Mario Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Mark Zuckerman - MASN