Washington Nationals Send Jonathan Papelbon To The 15-Day DL

The Washington Nationals placed closer Jonathan Papelbon on the 15-Day DL Tuesday afternoon, reinstating Matt Belisle in the process.

One day after Dusty Baker deemed him unavailable in Monday night’s 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon has landed on the 15-Day Disabled List with an intercostal strain:

Papelbon currently ranks seventh in the National League in saves (16), having posted a modest 3.28 ERA in 25 appearances so far this season: He has been the team’s closer since he was traded to the Nats prior to the trade deadline last season and has converted 23 of his 27 save opportunities since joining the team.

The Washington Nationals front office took advantage of the empty roster spot to reinstate right-handed reliever Matt Belisle from the 15-Day DL. Belisle sported a 1.50 ERA in his first seven appearances before hitting the shelf with a calf strain.

Papelbon’s injury prolongs the predicament of who gets sent down to triple-A for the time being. Sammy Solis didn’t make the Opening Day roster, but has allowed only three earned runs in the 19 innings he’s thrown since his call up in late April. Felipe Rivero, meanwhile, has struggled as of late. His 5.46 ERA is the highest mark by a pitcher who has thrown a pitch in a Nationals uniform in 2016.

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In their closer’s absence, it is uncertain who the Nats will turn to for the ninth inning role. None of the candidates have much experience in the role, as Shawn Kelley leads the way with five career saves. Kelley does have the most innings under his belt, and his 2.70 ERA makes him an attractive option. Today, Baker told the media that there is no set closer just yet:

If Baker opts not to go with Kelley, he could turn to the young arms of Blake Treinen or even Rivero. Treinen’s ERA+ of 183 leads the bullpen, while Rivero has racked up a team-high 12 holds. Both candidates do have their flaws, however, as Treinen has walked the most batters (13) and Rivero has given up the most runs (17) in the bullpen.

It was Kelley, however, who pitched the ninth inning and earned the save Monday night. The 32-year old right hander struck out four of the five hitters he faced, recording the final five outs for his first save as a National.

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Dusty could ultimately decide to pitch matchups rather than name one closer. It would certainly be a better option than hosting an open competition in the middle of a pennant chase. Right now, even with the success the bullpen has had this season, they still could use another arm between now and the August 1 trade deadline.