Jonathan Papelbon

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.

What It Means:

"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).