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Washington Nationals: Koda Glover’s return to bullpen delayed

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Apr 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Koda Glover (30) throws to the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Koda Glover (30) throws to the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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While most thought Koda Glover would be back in the Washington Nationals bullpen this week, he is still on the disabled list

After the Washington Nationals bullpen blew a three run lead against the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday, the ‘pen could use all the help it can get. Unfortunately, reinforcements will not be coming anytime soon. Shawn Kelley is on the disabled list with a back strain and Koda Glover’s return has been delayed.

In his postgame press conference yesterday, Dusty Baker told the media that Glover has to throw a couple of bullpen sessions before he can activated off the disabled list. He’s been on the ten day disabled list since April 26 due to a left hip impingement:

But, a couple of days ago, Baker mentioned that Glover was close to coming off the disabled list and that he still had to throw the aforementioned bullpen sessions. Here is what Zuckerman tweeted on Friday:

Now, the Washington Nationals aren’t the most forthcoming team when it comes to injury news. Everyone knows that they don’t reveal injuries that happen during a game till after the game is over. But, it begs the question as to whether or not Glover had a setback with his hip that led to the bullpen sessions still not taking place?

For more on the bullpen mess yesterday, check out my thoughts on the game from yesterday’s DoDcast:

Whatever the case may be, the Nats need Glover back in the bullpen in a big way. One of the things that the bullpen lacks right now is the ability to strike people out. As a team, the Nats have 84 strikeouts from their bullpen, which is tied for the lowest in the National League with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Yes, Glover only had six strikeouts in the 11 games he’s pitched in before going on the disabled list. However, the 24-year-old right-hander did have a strike out in five of his last seven appearances before going on the DL.

In addition, coming back soon will give Glover another opportunity to win the closer role. The Nats have been fortunate they haven’t been in many save situations because their offense scores a lot of runs. Right now, Baker is trying to see who will succeed in certain spots.

If Glover were to succeed in that spot while Kelley was out, that could change a lot of minds in the organization about whether or not he’s ready to be the closer. He had the chance to save two games in the first Mets series at Citi Field and converted both of those opportunities.

Next: Rendon Earns Player Of Week Honors

Regardless of what date Glover comes back, the Nats need him to get back in the bullpen and quickly.

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