Jonathan Papelbon pulled in Nationals' win, status as closer up in air
Washington Nationals managed Dusty Baker was non-committal on the state of his closer situation after pulling Jonathan Papelbon in the middle of a save chance on Thursday night in a 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
"We’ve certainly got to figure something out here," Baker exclaimed, continuing his recent narrative from the past week that a ninth inning change may be necessary for the Nationals. Papelbon conceded a one-out single and also handed out a walk before being yanked. Oliver Perez sent two of the next three batters back to the dugout, with Shawn Kelley striking out Angel Pagan to wrap up the win for Washington. Kelley would likely get the nod if Baker opts to make a switch, while a trade for another reliever also remains a possibility.
Papelbon's 4.41 ERA and 20.98 strikeout percentage are both career-worst marks. He has 19 saves in 22 opportunities this season (32 2/3 innings).
- Twins' Royce Lewis suffers quad injury on Opening Day March 28th, 2024
- Cubs' Justin Steele exits Opening Day with hamstring injury March 28th, 2024
- Ezequiel Tovar hitting seventh for Rockies Thursday March 28th, 2024
- Rockies' Nolan Jones (knee) hitting third on Opening Day March 28th, 2024
- Guardians' Josh Naylor batting fourth on Opening Day March 28th, 2024
- Ryan Noda leading off for Oakland on Opening Day March 28th, 2024
- Nationals' Nick Senzel scratched Thursday, Ildemaro Vargas filling in March 28th, 2024
- Nationals' Eddie Rosario in center field Thursday March 28th, 2024
- Jake Alu sitting for Nationals Sunday October 1st, 2023
- Alex Call batting seventh for Washington Sunday October 1st, 2023
- Luis Garcia sitting for Nationals Sunday October 1st, 2023
- Ildemaro Vargas hitting sixth for Nats Sunday October 1st, 2023