Year: 2016
-
Shawn Kelley to close until Jonathan Papelbon’s return
June 17, 2016 Washington Nationals — When Felipe Rivero ran into trouble in the ninth inning Thursday night, manager Dusty Baker turned again to Shawn Kelley, who retired the two batters he faced to close it out for his second save. After the game, Baker named Kelley the closer until Jonathan Papelbon returns from the DL, though…
-
Shawn Kelley still has the inside track in Washington
June 16, 2016 Washington Nationals — Dusty Baker celebrated his 67th birthday by playing matchups in the ninth, calling on the newly healthy Matt Belisle, followed by lefthander Oliver Perez. The two combined to blow the save with a double and a home run, and it was good ol’ Shawn Kelley who wound up finishing the ninth. Combine the plethora of above-average relievers…
-
Joe Blanton, the newest CJ Nitkowski All Star
June 15, 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers – The latest pitcher to join the C.J. Nitkowski All Stars (AKA the Bad Starter Decent Reliever club) is Joe Blanton, who got his 6th hold of the season last night pitching the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen. Blanton’s control has always been good, and he’s upped his strikeouts…
-
Shawn Kelley to lead Washington committee with Jonathan Papelbon on DL
June 14, 2016 Washington Nationals — Jonathan Papelbon has been placed on the disabled list with a right intercostal strain. Shawn Kelley (13.1 K/9, 1.96 FIP) was last night’s closer, and we think he has the edge at picking up save opportunities during Papelbon’s absence. He has had two Tommy John surgeries, however. Dusty Baker says the choice might depend on…
-
Jonathan Papelbon sits with soreness
June 14, 2016 Washington Nationals — Jonathan Papelbon (aka the “D.C. Strangler”) stayed firmly planted on the Nationals’ dugout bench last night, while Shawn Kelley pitched a five-out save against the Cubs. After the game, Dusty Baker commented that Pap was “sore” and “ailing,” but claimed that the soreness was not arm-related. This confusing development comes as Pap…