The Washington Nationals rolled out their bullpen cart last month and it’s sat idle not used. That was in large because the advocate for the new wheels, Sean Doolittle, was on the disabled list. However, Doolittle is back activated off the DL on Friday and the Nats closer was summoned in the eighth inning of Saturday’s nightcap against the Chicago Cubs.
Doolittle did what everyone expected, rode the bullpen cart to the field. The scene was amazing for those who have been intrigued about the process. Yet, former Nationals teammate and current Cub infielder Daniel Murphy reacted accordingly.
HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE. @whatwouldDOOdo is the first reliever to take the #Nats bullpen cart! pic.twitter.com/K3ISLyPkeA
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) September 9, 2018
Washington became the third team in Major League Baseball to get a bullpen cart, joining the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers, as teams were permitted to use bullpen carts starting this season. It was the Nationals’ time in Arizona back in May that enticed Doolittle to use and advocate for one of the Nats own.
He ultimately got his wish, and now he can enjoy his new toy. By the way, he struck out Murphy swinging on three pitches. Strike three came on a high fastball that Murphy whiffed on.
