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District On Deck

Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 1-0 Loss To Brewers

By Ricky Keeler

Jul 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Ben Revere (9) strikes out to during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Ben Revere (9) strikes out to during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
May 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals defeated the Phillies, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Papelbon Pitches Well In Return Off DL

Once Scherzer came out of the game, it was up to the bullpen to try to keep the deficit at one run and they did just that. The trio of Felipe Rivero, Shawn Kelley, and Jonathan Papelbon combined to give up one hit and strike out four batters over the final three innings.

Yesterday was Papelbon’s first day back off the DL after his right intercostal strain injury. While it was not in a save situation, Papelbon was sharp and was able to strike out two of the three batters he faced. He threw 13 pitches on the afternoon with eight of them going for strikes.

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While I still think the Washington Nationals need to add another reliever to the bullpen before the August 1 trade deadline, adding Papelbon back at least allows the other relievers to settle back into their original roles they had before the injury.

Kelley did a solid job as the temporary closer, but now he settles back into an eighth inning role where he has excelled this season. In the eighth this year, Kelley has given up one solo home run on four hits, struck out 20 batters, and held opponents to a .105 batting average.

Next: District Daily: What Papelbon's Return Means For The Bullpen

Even though he is not of the best closers in the National League, Papelbon still hasn’t blown a save since May 8 and has converted on his last seven save opportunities. For now, he is still the right option at closer. Now, the next question will be who is the next reliever that gets sent down once the Washington Nationals decide to go back to a five-man bench.

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