Doolittle (2-0) did not allow a baserunner during the ninth inning to earn the win against the Phillies on Wednesday. He did not record a strikeout or walk a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle kept the game tied 9-9 during the ninth inning and the Nationals then walked it off in the bottom of the frame. The veteran left-hander blew his lone save chance of the season -- by allowing two inherited runners to score -- but has given up only three hits across 2.2 scoreless innings to begin the season.

Doolittle (1-0) posted a blown save but "vultured" a victory by allowing no runs on three hits while striking out two during 1.2 innings against the Mets on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals closer entered in the eighth inning with runners on first and second, one out and a two-run lead. Doolittle struck out the first batter he faced, but then yielded two straight singles to allow both his inherited runners to score, which tied the game. Doolittle also pitched the ninth, where he allowed another single and struck out a second hitter. With the Nationals earning a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth, Doolittle captured the win.

Doolittle struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to record his first save of the spring in Monday's exhibition game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw had a bit of a bumpy path through March, but Doolittle wraps up his spring with a 6:1 K:BB through 7.2 innings and appears ready for the regular season. He's picked up 49 saves in 52 chances over the last two years for the A's and Nats, and while his reputation for fragility is well earned, he should be a strong second-tier fantasy closer when he isn't on the IL.

Doolittle threw his fastball between 92 and 93 mph on Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle threw around 20 pitches and told reporters after the game that he felt better after making a mechanical adjustment since his last appearance. While he is still sitting a tick or two below his average fastball velocity from the 2018 season, he has no reported health issues and should be ready to serve as the team's closer to begin the regular season.

Doolittle gave up five runs on four hits and one walk over two-thirds of an inning during Saturday's spring game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle had allowed only one hit over four scoreless innings entering Saturday's exhibition game, but he now carries a 9.64 ERA this spring. The 32-year-old still lines up to serve as the Nationals' closer after posting a 1.60 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 60:6 K:BB and converting 25 of 26 save opportunities in 2018.

Doolittle struck out one in a scoreless inning during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The Nats' closer has a 0.00 ERA and 3:0 K:BB through three spring innings, and Doolittle appears to be on track for the regular season. Rumors abound that the club is still interested in signing Craig Kimbrel to bolster its bullpen, which could have a huge impact on Doolittle's usage and fantasy value, but as the roster currently stands he has no challenger for ninth-inning work after posting a 1.60 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 60:6 K:BB in 45 innings last year while converting 25 of 26 save chances.

The Nationals exercised Doolittle's $6 million option for 2019, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle, who missed more than two months with a fractured toe, was one of the best relievers in the majors when healthy in 2018, so this comes as little surprise. The southpaw converted 25 of his 26 save chances while posting a 1.60 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 60:6 K:BB across 45 innings. He figures to reprise his role as the team's closer in 2019.

Doolittle recorded a strikeout in a 1-2-3 inning to earn his 24th save of the season Sunday against the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle had allowed runs in each of his previous two outings, but he mowed down the side in order while throwing eight of 11 strikes in this one. The veteran hadn't looked quite himself in his first few outings since returning from a long layoff, but he appears to be rounding into form and could provide some fantasy utility down the stretch for those in need of saves.

Doolittle recorded the save against the Phillies on Tuesday, allowing one run on one hit during the ninth inning. He struck out two and walked one.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle required 24 pitches to get through the frame, but thankfully entered the game with a three-run cushion. The 31-year-old has a 1.62 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and is 23-of-24 in save opportunities this season.

Doolittle (toe) was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle will wind up having missed two months after fracturing a toe in early July. He should soon retake his closer role, though given the length of his absence and his lack of a rehab assignment, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him work at least one lower-leverage inning to get back up to speed.