Kelley scattered two hits while striking out a pair of batters during a scoreless inning in his Grapefruit League debut Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The Nats' addition of Joe Blanton earlier this week gives the team another veteran arm for the late innings, but it remains to be seen if the versatility of Blanton as a higher-volume reliever than Kelley gives manager Dusty Baker enough confidence in the bullpen as a whole to count on Kelley as the team's closer. Along with Blake Treinen, Koda Glover, and Joe Nathan, Kelley is expected to compete for the ninth-inning role this spring.