Foster Griffin struggles against Braves as trade deadline nears: ‘It’s not easy, but we’re professionals’

ATLANTA — Foster Griffin kept his head down as he solemnly walked off the field at Truist Park.

With Monday’s trade deadline looming, it could’ve been his last start for the Nationals, the team that signed him out of Japan and believed in him enough to give him a chance to be a starter. He returned their faith by being their most reliable starter and developing into an All-Star.

No matter what happens, Griffin’s impact on the Nationals has been undeniable.

But he will want to forget Friday’s outing, which was subpar by the lofty standards he set for himself, in the Nationals’ 6-2 loss to the Braves. Griffin threw five innings, allowing six runs on nine hits, with two walks and two strikeouts Friday. It was his most runs allowed since May 19 against the Mets.

He chalked it up to poor execution, but Griffin is dealing with a lot knowing he could be traded soon. The normally even-keel left-hander showed vulnerability when discussing how trying the past week has been.

“Truthfully, I’m human, right?” he said. “It’s not easy, but we’re professionals. It’s part of the job. Still have to go out there and play and execute. So that’s not an excuse for how things went tonight, but that’s just the situation I’m in right now.”

The Nationals’ Luis García Jr. — who should be in the lineup Saturday after exiting Friday’s game with knee soreness — and CJ Abrams have also been mentioned in trade discussions. García said he blocks out the noise, while Abrams said he tries to remain in the present.

But Abrams has been traded before. He was included in the blockbuster Juan Soto deal. This past offseason Abrams was also available, so he has experience with the rumor mill.

But for Griffin, who signed with the Nationals on a one-year, $5.5 million contract, this is a new experience. Constant chatter can become inescapable to even the most unflappable players.

Not having social media is helpful, but his name appears on TV segments, and his teammates aren’t oblivious to his situation. President of baseball operations Paul Toboni has been transparent about trade discussions, but even that knowledge hasn’t proved comforting.

“There’s only so much he can relay,” Griffin said. “The trade deadline is in a few days, and [I’m] sure he’s had calls, etc., but nothing has really happened yet, so I’m sure there’s not a whole lot that he can relay to me at this point. That’s his job, and my job is to go out there and pitch games right now.”

On Friday he wasn’t inducing much chase, but he persevered and pitched into the sixth inning, having allowed just two runs. But the Braves were prepared. They knew which pitch he throws well — his cutter — and they jumped at every opportunity to swing at it.

Griffin allowed a Matt Olson double and an Ozzie Albies single on back-to-back first-pitch cutters in the zone. Michael Harris II then cleared the bases with a three-run shot to right field that extended the Braves’ lead to four.

“He kept us in the game,” manager Blake Butera said. “He was efficient with his pitches, pretty low pitch count there going into the sixth. Also, completely understanding that Foster’s been going through a lot. All the talks that he’s been involved in with his name out there on social media, and what’s real and what’s not real. [He is] dealing with a lot mentally.”

Though he’s a rookie, Griffin carries himself as a veteran. His diligence with his between-starts routine engenders respect throughout the clubhouse, and he enjoys digging into opposing lineups, seeking out weaknesses. Signing Griffin was a boon for the organization as it has ascended far past what many projected entering the season.

As Griffin accumulated success, he became more outspoken in offering advice to fellow pitchers. Boosting his confidence allowed him to impart wisdom on the largely unproven pitching staff. He’s been an indispensable pitcher and a key cog in the Nationals’ surprising season.

“My teammates, they’ve accepted me from day one,” Griffin said. “Even the front office has really taken a chance on me coming back from Japan, so I’m super appreciative for all of that. We don’t know what the next few days hold, but I appreciate all the support from my teammates and people outside as well.”

Griffin’s success only increased his value around the league, making him a coveted arm for contending teams. Considering a year ago he was in Japan proving he could be a capable starter, how does Griffin feel knowing teams are bidding for his services?

“As of right now I’m a player for the Nats, so I can’t really speak too much to that,” he said. “But I mean, in a few days, we’ll see where I am. I’ll be grateful for any opportunity, whether I’m still here and we’re gonna try and do this thing, or if I’m with another team. The competitiveness and the will to win will never change, whether I’m here or somewhere else.”

He’s also valuable to the Nationals as a clubhouse leader. He sets the tone with his professionalism. He’s served as a stabilizing force for a largely unproven pitching staff.

Toboni finds himself in a perplexing situation. Trading Griffin at arguably his highest value is the prudent course of action. The team is years from its competitive window and could use more young, club-controlled players.

But the players have bought in to this new regime. They’ve listened to the feedback from the coaching staff and adjusted to the endless stream of meetings. When Toboni acquired Connelly Early for Curtis Mead, he said the trade was in part to help the team this season — Early has been on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation. Addressing the clubhouse after trading the best starter would be a difficult conversation to have with the group.

But it’s Toboni’s job to keep the long-term view in play. He has to do what’s best in turning the Nationals into a sustainable winner, and trading Griffin might be the right decision.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, it’s clear Griffin has had a profound impact on the club. And, in turn, it has had an immense impact on him.

“It’s not even about pitching; it’s about the camaraderie in this clubhouse that we’ve created,” Griffin said. “The culture in here is great. I feel like this team’s got a lot of bright stars in here and upcoming stars as well, something that’ll be able to compete in this division in this league for a long time.”

This article has been updated.