For the Washington Nationals this summer, no question Sean Doolittle indeed “Doooed” it as their closer. What grade has he earned?
When the Washington Nationals needed help the most this summer, Sean Doolittle answered the call.
By mid-July, the back of the bullpen was a deep mess. Blake Treinen, Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover pitched their way out of the closer job. Dusty Baker, some nights, managed as if he had a dart board full of names and whatever hit stuck closed the game. Eleven of Washington’s 24 pitchers in 2017 notched a save.
On July 16, Washington made the trade which salvaged the season. Treinen and two prospects went to Oakland in return for Doolittle and Ryan Madson.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
Both had closing experience. Doolittle earned his lone All-Star nod as Oakland’s closer in 2014.
The initial decision was sticking Doolittle as closer and go from there. After the Nats grabbed Brandon Kintzler from the Minnesota Twins—their closer for roughly a full season—Doolittle kept the job.
By the time October came, Doolittle converted 21 of 22 save opportunities. In 30 innings with the Nats, he posted an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.000. Although the WHIP is high for a closer, he got the job done in any game that mattered.
Doolittle changed his style to pitch to contact more, but he surrendered a scant two homers in that time.
When called upon in the playoffs, he threw three scoreless innings and earned a save. Doolittle scattered one hit while fanning four. For a position that was a laughingstock the first half of the year, he chased those doubts away.
His immediate embrace of Washington following the trade was a smashing success. Doolittle and his wife Eireann Dolan are involved with charities and are active members of the community. They join a growing number of players and spouses eagerly involved in Washington the city.
Put into the difficult position of fixing a major hole, Doolittle filled the role with near perfection. His ability to get out of jams helped. When you consider Washington finished the year with three credible closer candidates, it speaks volumes he excelled.
Under a team-friendly deal the next three seasons, Washington hopes it has found stability at closer the team has lacked over the years. No question, Doolittle is the man next year to start.
Although his raw numbers are not overwhelming for the job, you never worried about his ability to finish the job.
Nothing incomplete about Doolittle. Like his time in Oakland, he is still an “A.”