not to be overlooked

The consensus is that the Washington Nationals, who have roared back into contention in the National League playoff race, need bullpen help. As Nats brass ponder trade options, they might also be able to find some help in their own system. At Double-A Harrisburg, former Ole Miss star Aaron Barrett continues to shine in his valiant comeback attempt. Barrett posted a 3.47 ERA over 90 appearances with the Nationals in 2014-15 before a series of arm injuries (see previous posts) knocked him out for the better part of three years. He began his comeback last summer in A-ball, putting up a 1.74 ERA in 20 games, and has made further strides this season. He has 16 saves — five in his last eight games — and a 2.86 ERA for Harrisburg. In his last 10 appearances, Barrett has a 1.69 ERA. Barrett, 31, was a ninth-round pick by Washington in 2010, and the organization has stuck by him through his travails. Both might be rewarded. P.S. Southern Miss product Brian Dozier has had a big hand in the Nats’ resurgence, which has seen the club win 16 of its last 20 and 29 of 40. Free agent signee Dozier, after a woeful start, has hit .278 with seven homers and 17 RBIs in his last 30 games. He’s at .234, 14 homers and 33 RBIs on the season.