THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — With the worst ERA and record in the major leagues, the Washington Nationals fired pitching coach Randy St. Claire on Tuesday and promoted Steve McCatty from triple-A to replace him.
The Nationals, who entered Tuesday night’s game against San Francisco with a 13-36 record, have a 5.69 ERA. They’ve allowed the most runs (308) and recorded the fewest saves (eight) of any team in baseball. Washington’s bullpen has blown 12 saves.
St. Claire was in his seventh season with the franchise, and was the only coach to be retained after last season.
McCatty was at Syracuse and in his fourth season as the Nationals’ triple-A pitching coach. He pitched for Oakland from 1977-85, going 63-63 with a 3.99 ERA.
Washington also reinstated outfielder Elijah Dukes from the 15-disabled list and placed right-handed pitcher Kip Wells on the 15-day DL with a right adductor strain.
Dukes had been on the disabled list since May 18 with a strained left hamstring. He’s batting .277 with 4 home runs and 24 runs batted in.
Wells has an 0-2 record with a 6.26 ERA.
