A’s trade Marc Rzepczynski to Nationals

The A’s focused on rebuilding their bullpen in the offseason, but it hasn’t made a difference in the standings.

With the A’s again looking to the future, they dealt left-handed reliever Marc Rzepczynski and cash to the Nationals for infield prospect Max Schrock on Thursday.

Rzepczynski, who turns 31 on Monday, had a 3.00 ERA in 56 outings after he was acquired with first baseman Yonder Alonso in the December trade that sent Drew Pomeranz and two prospects to the Padres.

Rzepczynski jumps into a pennant race and provides a hot hand: he gave up one earned run in his final 8 2/3 innings (16 games) with Oakland.

After losing the most one-run games in the majors last year (35), the A’s added several veteran relievers in the offseason, including John Axford, Ryan Madson and Liam Hendriks, and were expecting a full season from closer Sean Doolittle, who was hurt last year.