May 23
RHP Tyler Clippard said he had been "over-stepped" for the closer role a couple of times with the Nationals. Tuesday, he got his chance to close and recorded a save, only the second of his career. His first career save was in June 2010 against the Pirates. Manager Davey Johnson has said he would like to keep Clippard as the setup man but also will rely on a bullpen-by-committee after RHP Henry Rodriguez struggled in the ninth Monday.
May 22
The Nationals will use a committee to close games -- presumably including Clippard, Craig Stammen and Sean Burnett -- after Henry Rodriguez was officially removed from the role Tuesday, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.
Recommendation: Nats manager Davey Johnson likes the versatility of Clippard in a setup role, so he may continue to be overlooked a bit given the success Stammen has had in the bullpen this season and the likely use of Sean Burnett in matchup situations where a lefty gives the Nats a leg up.
