Washington Nationals: Koda Glover gets his chance

After an impressive audition this spring, Washington Nationals reliever Koda Glover gets the chance to show off. Perhaps giving a glimpse of the future.

For Washington Nationals reliever Koda Glover, this is his moment to shine.

Given the opportunity to notch a four-out save Sunday for Stephen Strasburg against the Atlanta Braves, Glover stood and delivered. As the Nats salvaged one game out of three at SunTrust, he ended Strasburg’s jam in the eighth and bailed out by a smart double play by Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth.

More from District on Deck

For a bullpen in need of relief, Glover gave it. This time, he came through and widened the Nats National League East lead over Atlanta to seven games. Maybe, just maybe, he can get the job most thought he earned in West Palm Beach.

Blake Treinen left camp as the closer, but confidence cost him the job. Shawn Kelley has the best credentials, but cannot pitch consecutive days often thanks to arm trouble. In this year of the beleaguered bullpen, Kelley spent the weekend pitching in the sixth and seventh.

With Matt Albers showing signs of overuse—along with the inevitable trade for a closer coming later rather than sooner—it is time for the Nats to see what they have with Glover.

Although the chances of Glover closing playoff games this October are small, the experience he gains now is valuable for the future both in the short- and long-term. Lost in the endless discussion with the closer role is any sense of who sets up.

Treinen, whether he realizes it or not, has improved in the last week. A solid month from the younger Glover before the new hired help arrives potentially solidifies a bullpen leaking fluid like a hole-laden oil pan. By the trading deadline, Glover can be the needed bridge from the starter or Treinen to the closer.

Washington wants Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson. One of the worst-kept secrets in DC outside of the government, the two teams had a deal in place this spring. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday Robertson was headed to the Nats for Drew Ward and a catching prospect. What held the trade was how much of Robertson’s contract the ChiSox would eat.

Again, the Nats quibbled with money and left themselves with a mess. This is the same team, remember, that refused to give Greg Holland a vesting contract. Representatives from the Colorado Rockies send cigars and flowers to South Capitol Street as a weekly thank you.

Whether it is Robinson or someone else, Glover’s hold on his new role is short. The Nats are correct not to trust the biggest games of the year with someone unproven. Add his reoccurring hip issue and, unless he is lights out over the next month, getting a hired hand is essential for Washington’s playoff chances.

Next: Taylor our player of the week

Still, locking down a save after watching this bullpen is big. They can only improve from here. Glover is the key.

Home/Nationals News