The Washington Nationals entered Tuesday with a 43-43 record, a surprisingly decent start for what was expected to be one of the worst teams in MLB this season.

That record could be much better, though, as the Washington bullpen has struggled severely this season. That struggling bullpen is now expected to lose a member for the remainder of the season.

Mitchell Parker likely needs Tommy John surgery

The Nationals placed left-handed reliever Mitchell Parker on the injured list Monday with what the team called elbow tightness. Parker's average fastball velocity had dropped over 5 mph in his most recent outing.

Imaging was done and the extent of the injury was revealed Tuesday, and it's not good news for Nats fans. According to manager Blake Butera, Parker has a Grade 3 UCL sprain that will likely require Tommy John surgery.

Mitchell Parker has struggled in Washington

2026 marked the third major league season in Parker's young career, but it was on pace to be the worst. In his transition from the starting rotation to the bullpen, Parker had posted a 6.58 ERA and -1.1 WAR across 22 appearances and 39 2/3 innings.

He will likely miss all of 2027 while recovering from the surgery, meaning the earliest he would likely toe the rubber again would be the start of the 2028 season.

Could this be the end of the line?

If Washington is in a position to be competitive when the 2028 season rolls around, hanging on to a pitcher with a career ERA of 5.19 may not be the smartest thing to do. 

Parker will certainly need a strong rehab and assure the Nationals organization that he can be a contributor in 2028 and beyond.