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 matchups, though, so Felipe Rivero, a lefthander with a 95 MPH fastball, is another key option. The Nationals shouldn’t miss a beat in middle relief, as Blake Treinen and Sammy Solis have been very effective, but Papelbon’s injury may also push them into trade talks a little earlier than anticipated.
Updated hierarchy: *Kelley | Rivero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee