Manager Joe Maddon didn't feel the need to call former longtime aide Dave Martinez for a background check on newly acquired reliever Brandon Kintzler.
"I can tell you this," Maddon said Wednesday in response to published allegations that Kintzler was a source for a story by Yahoo Sports that reported the Nationals clubhouse was in disarray. "I'm confident with the due diligence we did, and it really contradicts what was written. I'm satisfied with that."
Kintzler was expected to arrive at PNC Park shortly before first pitch Wednesday night, but he already told numerous media outlets he was not a source, adding he never has met Jeff Passan, the author of the Yahoo story.
"I've heard the exact opposite from good sources," Maddon said. "I've heard he's a great teammate, a great competitor. His agenda is to win."
The Nationals also designated reliever Shawn Kelley for assignment, one day after he slammed his glove to the ground after surrendering a home run. The Nationals thought Kelley's actions were disrespectful.
Martinez told the Washington Post that the Nationals needed a reliever who could throw more than one inning, so they promoted Wander Suero from Triple-A Syracuse to take Kintzler's roster spot and believe while they still have enough late-inning support with Kelvin Herrera and Brandon Doolittle.
