Nationals on Verge of MLB Blown Save Record
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Washington's relief corps surrendered a lead against the Dodgers, leaving them one blown save shy of a historic low.
The Washington Nationals are now just one blown save away from tying a Major League Baseball record for the most in a single season, according to Sports Illustrated.
During a Sept. 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington held a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning following an RBI double by Daylen Lile. However, right-hander Clayton Beeter, who entered the game for starter Cade Cavalli, surrendered a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh. The play gave the Dodgers a 5-4 lead and marked the 36th blown save of the season for the Nationals.
Sports Illustrated reports that this total puts Washington one behind the MLB record set by the 2024 Chicago White Sox. The collapse occurred despite a strong effort from ace Cavalli, who had been one of the league's top performers over his last 10-plus outings.
Reporting from Sports Illustrated notes that president of baseball operations Paul Toboni and the front office did not prioritize the relief unit this past winter, despite years of struggles for the franchise's bullpen. With manager Blake Butera overseeing a unit that continues to struggle, the outlet suggests the remainder of the 2026 season serves as a critical evaluation period for the relievers before the 2027 campaign.