Ferrer is likely to be part of the ninth-inning mix for the Nationals with Kyle Finnegan having been traded to the Tigers, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old southpaw boasts a power sinker that's averaged 97.4 mph this season and a changeup with a 42.7 percent whiff rate, but Ferrer's actual ratios don't match the scouting report, as he has a 4.78 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and meager 20.1 percent strikeout rate over 52.2 innings in 2025. If the Nats determine he isn't closer material, right-handers Cole Henry and Zach Brzykcy could get save chances instead, and a committee approach might be the most likely scenario unless someone seizes the closing role.

Ferrer tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief Friday to record his 15th hold of the season in a win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw has had a shaky June overall, posting a 5.11 ERA in 12.1 innings, but Ferrer has already set a new career high in holds after coming into 2025 with only 11 over 70 big-league appearances. He seems locked in as one of closer Kyle Finnegan's primary setup men, but his sinker-heavy approach likely won't get him much ninth-inning work in the event Finnegan is traded -- Ferrer has a 59.8 percent groundball rate but only a 19.0 percent strikeout rate on the season.

Ferrer (1-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Mets, striking out one in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw became the pitcher of record when the Nationals rallied for two runs in the seventh inning and two more in the eighth to erase a 4-1 deficit. Ferrer has been prone to blowups this season, most recently surrendering five runs in one-third of an inning against the Guardians on May 6, but he continues to see high-leverage opportunities in a Washington bullpen that lacks better options. Through 22 innings this season, Ferrer carries a 6.95 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB with nine holds in 22 appearances.

Ferrer gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning Friday to record his third hold of the season in a 7-4 win over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old southpaw has been one of the Nationals' primary setup men to begin the season, and Ferrer is already halfway to the career-high six holds he pocketed in 2024. While his 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP through 6.2 innings aren't impressive, Ferrer's 8:2 K:BB might offer a better glimpse of how effective he's been. He's also been the victim of some bad luck in the early going with a .429 BABIP and 63.5 LOB%, both of which have plenty of room for regression to friendlier rates.

Ferrer and Jorge Lopez are likely no longer the leading closer candidates for Washington after Kyle Finnegan re-signed Tuesday on a one-year, $6 million contract, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan recorded 38 saves as the Nationals closer last year but had a 3.68 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, leading to him being non-tendered in November. Ferrer had a 3.38 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB across 32 innings last season and was named a candidate to close -- along with Lopez -- by manager Dave Martinez early in spring training. The return of Finnegan could push Ferrer and Lopez down the pecking order for saves.

Manager Dave Martinez said earlier this week that Ferrer remains a candidate to save games for the Nationals along with Jorge Lopez, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports. "As I said earlier, Ferrer will get an opportunity to close as well," Martinez said. "Right now, we're going to play matchups. But if Lopez is available, he can do it."

EDGE Analysis

The back end of the Washington bullpen is in flux heading into Opening Day, after the Nationals elected to non-tender Kyle Finnegan in November coming off a 38-save season. Washington brought in Lopez over the winter on a one-year, $3 million deal, and based on Martinez's comments, Lopez -- who saved 23 games in 2022 between stops with the Orioles and Twins -- looks to be the preferred option in what could be a two-pronged approach at closer. Ferrer, meanwhile, has just one career save to his name, but he was one of Washington's top relievers in 2024 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB in 32 innings. As the southpaw option of the two relievers, Ferrer could be the choice over Lopez for save situations that arise when the Nationals face lefty-heavy lineups in the ninth inning.

Ferrer picked up the save Sunday against Miami, allowing one run on two hits across one inning with no strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Kyle Finnegan pitched in two straight games before Sunday's contest, resulting in Ferrer handling ninth-inning work. It was Ferrer's first save of the 2024 season, and he has a 3.65 ERA across 24.2 innings.

The Nationals activated Ferrer (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ferrer has been out all season with a strain of the teres major muscle in his left shoulder. He will give the team a second left-hander in the bullpen behind Robert Garcia, something the Nationals have not had in 2024 until now.

The Nationals transferred Ferrer's (shoulder) rehab assignment to Double-A Harrisburg on Tuesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ferrer appeared in one game in the Florida Complex League, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one batter in 1.1 innings. He'll now join Harrisburg in order to rehab against some tougher competition, though it's still unclear whether he'll report to the Nationals or Triple-A Rochester once he's activated off the 60-day IL.

Ferrer (shoulder) was sent to the Nationals' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Thursday to begin a rehab assignment.

EDGE Analysis

Ferrer has been out all season with a strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder but has finally been cleared for game action. The lefty's rehab assignment should be fairly lengthy given how much time he's missed, and he's not a given to be added to the major-league roster once his time on the 60-day injured list is over.