Thu Mar 13 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationals Transition Top Prospect Rutledge to Bullpen Role
**WEST PALM BEACH, FL** – The Washington Nationals are shifting 2019 first-round draft pick Jackson Rutledge from a starting pitcher to a relief role, hoping to leverage his power fastball for immediate impact. The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who debuted last September, has struggled to find consistency as a starter, posting a 6.20 ERA in 24 2/3 innings at the major league level. While he tallied a career-high 122 1/3 innings last season in Triple-A, the Nationals believe his considerable velocity – consistently hitting 96-97 mph – is better suited to shorter bursts in the bullpen.
Manager Dave Martinez explained the decision, stating, “It was more or less looking at his stuff and where we can get the most out of it. He comes in the game now and he’s 96, 97 [mph]. There’s no saving for later innings.” Martinez added that Rutledge’s improved cutter and the ability to focus on single-inning shutdowns will benefit him in this new role.
Rutledge himself expressed enthusiasm for the change, noting the reduced need for energy conservation and the ability to focus on his strengths: “No need to conserve energy… Facing lefties I can spam cutters, and facing righties I can spam sinkers. I don’t have to be quite as strategic.”
While adapting to the day-to-day demands of bullpen life – including shorter warm-up routines – Rutledge is embracing the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to learn flexibility and improve his performance. The Nationals are also transitioning another young pitcher, Cole Henry, to the bullpen, adding depth to a critical area of their roster. Both moves, Martinez believes, will provide valuable multiple-inning relief capabilities.
First Piper 