Nationals release P Jonathan Papelbon

The Washington Nationals have released pitcher Jonathan Papelbon.

The Washington Nationals have released pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, the team announced Saturday.

Papelbon was acquired from Philadelphia at last season’s trade deadline to close for Washington, but the team missed the playoffs anyway and he has been largely ineffective this season. The Nats traded for Pirates closer Mark Melancon at this season’s trade deadline, who immediately supplanted Papelbon at the back end of the bullpen.

Chelsea Janes of the Washington Postreports that the Nationals attempted to designated Papelbon for assignment, however, the pitcher asked to be released instead. 

Papelbon, 35, has 19 saves and a career-worst 4.37 ERA this season. He has not pitched in a game since August 6 and will be a free agent this off-season