Blake Treinen named Nationals' closer
After a winter of speculation, Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker made the announcement Thursday that Blake Treinen will be the team's closer.
"Blake has that turbo sinker," manager Dusty Baker said Thursday. "He may give up a hit or a walk, but he's always one pitch away from getting two outs with one pitch."
Treinen made 73 appearances in 2016, posting a 2.28 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 67 innings for the Nationals.
Washington began last season with Jonathan Papelbon pitching the ninth inning, but traded for Mark Melancon in July. Melancon signed with the San Francisco Giants after the season.
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After the Nationals missed out on Melancon, Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen in free agency, there were multiple internal candidates including Treinen, Shawn Kelley, Koda Glover and Sammy Solis.
Washington also added veteran right-hander Joe Blanton in the offseason.
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