The Washington Nationals picked up their 2020 options on closer Sean Doolittle ($6.5 million) and outfielder Adam Eaton ($9.5 million). Doolittle had a down year in 2019 and struggled with injuries, posting a 4.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 29 saves and 66 K's in 60 innings. The left-hander shared closing duties with Daniel Hudson late in the season, which will make him less attractive as a fantasy closer going into 2020 unless the Nationals are adamant that he will return to the ninth-inning role full ...

Muncy jumped on a first-pitch fastball and drove it over the right-field fence to pull within one run of the Washington Nationals at 3-2. Sean Doolittle was brought in to face the lefties after Stephen Strasburg went six strong. He struck out Cody Bellinger and Will Smith to finish off the inning, but allowed a dangerous Dodgers team to climb closer to a comeback with a get-over first-pitch fastball to a lefty that can hit southpaws.

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (knee) has been activated off the 10-day injured list on Sunday. Doolittle pitched well during his rehab outings and appears ready to return to the active roster. However, the Nats are still going to ease him back into the ninth inning role. He'll have fantasy value as a closer, but it sounds like the Nats aren't going to throw him in there every chance they get.

Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle (knee) said he expects to go on a rehab assignment with Single-A Potomac on Friday. Doolittle threw a successful simulated inning this week but feels his mechanics and pitches need a little more work. The left-hander might only make one appearance with Potomac on Friday before being activated from the injured list when rosters expand on Sunday. He last pitched on Aug. 17 and was really struggling before landing on the shelf, so his fantasy owners are ...

Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle (knee) is progressing and will throw a simulated game on Wednesday. He's hoping to be activated from the injured list in time for the series against the Marlins this weekend. Doolittle was struggling mightily before landing on the shelf, but hopefully for his fantasy owners this little break can get him back on the right track. The left-hander has a high 4.33 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 28 saves and 59 K's in 52 innings. He should go right back into the ...

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that closer Sean Doolittle (knee) will remain the team's closer when he returns from his knee tendinitis. In his last 10 appearances before going on the injured list, Doolittle had allowed 12 runs and seven home runs. The left-hander has been doing exercises in the weight room to strengthen his knee and re-energize his body. The Nats may choose to ease Doolittle back into high-leverage spots when he's ready, but he should be stashed in all leagues...

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (knee) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday. He's dealing with right knee tendinitis, but this injury conveniently comes up after he gave up three home runs in the ninth inning on Saturday. Regardless, the Nats did need to lighten the workload on Doolittle. Daniel Hudson is expected to be the favorite to get save chances in Washington.

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle could be in danger of losing his job as the closer after blowing the save on Saturday. Doolittle gave up three home runs in the loss on Saturday and has struggled heavily lately. Manager Dave Martinez has acknowledged that the Nats might need to head in another direction for the closer role. Daniel Hudson is the favorite to get save chances while the Nats attempt to limit Doolittle's work load.

The trade deadline approaches and bullpen speculation is running rampant, with the battle for saves likely deciding which spot on the podium you'll stand on. [...]

The All-Star Game happened, and it was fun. But then came [...]