collateral damage

The Washington Nationals traded for three relief pitchers this week, which meant some of the current bullpen crop had to go. Tony Sipp was one. The former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College standout, who recently turned 36, was designated for assignment on Friday. Though he had given up three runs in his last two outings for the Nats, the situational left-hander had pitched well of late, posting a 3.60 ERA over his last 15 games (see previous post). For the season, Sipp has a 4.71 ERA and nine holds in 36 games. What’s next for Sipp? He could be claimed off waivers by another club. He could clear waivers and accept a Triple-A assignment. Or he could become a free agent. Of course, he might be done. P.S. In happier news, Ole Miss alum Lance Lynn notched his 14th win — matching the MLB lead — for Texas, throwing seven strong innings with 10 strikeouts against Detroit. One of the four hits Lynn allowed was a triple by Travis Demeritte, the former Mississippi Braves standout who was making his big league debut. … Ex-DeSoto Central High star Austin Riley homered for Atlanta, his 17th of the year but first since July 6. The rookie slugger has been fighting a slump that has cut into his playing time. … Meridian Community College product Corey Dickerson made his Philadelphia debut two days after being acquired from Pittsburgh. Dickerson struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning of the Phillies’ 15-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox.