Kelley pitched 0.2 perfect innings to earn his second save of the season Thursday at the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Kelley came on to protect a four-run lead with two runners on, and he allowed a sacrifice fly before inducing a ground out to close out the victory. He's now converted both of his save opportunities since Jonathan Papelbon went on the disabled list, and Kelley boasts a 2.45 ERA to go along with a 0.82 WHIP.

Kelley retired all five batters he faced, striking out four, to pick up the five-out save Monday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Kelley combined with Max Scherzer and Oliver Perez to limit the Cubs to just two hits and one run in a 4-1 victory. Wahington's top middle reliever proved with this effort that he's no less comfortable pitching in the ninth inning when called upon.

Kelley walked a batter and surrendered a two-run homer before retiring the side in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Kelley entered the game with a five-run lead, so he had plenty of margin for error even after yielding the homer. The 32-year-old has been the Nats' top middle relief arm this season, posting a 1.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 22:3 K:BB ratio over 16 innings.

Kelley struck out one in a perfect eighth inning during Friday's loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

He's been fantastic since walking the first batter he saw as a National on four pitches, and Kelley now sports a 0.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB in 9.2 innings on the season. He only has two holds so far, as manager Dusty Baker hasn't been using him exclusively in a setup role, but should anything happen to Jonathan Papelbon, Kelley would be one of the primary options to replace him as the closer.

Kelley failed to record an out in his first appearance with the Nationals on Monday, walking Adonis Garcia on four pitches with the bases loaded in the eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

None of the pitches were close to the strike zone, and Nats manager Dusty Baker immediately yanked Kelley from the game. The veteran right-hander was expected to be one of the team's primary setup men this season, so he'll likely be given some time to work out the kinks before being demoted to a lower-leverage role.

Kelley has struggled through the early part of spring training, managing just a 1:1 K:BB ratio, 6.23 ERA and 1.85 WHIP through 4.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

He was brought in to be the Nationals' primary right-handed set-up man this season, and while you can't read too much into such a small sample, Kelley's lack of strikeouts is a bit concerning for a player with a career K/9 mark of 10.2. There's no indication that he's pitching through some sort of injury, however, so for now assume he'll be his usual dominant self once Opening Day rolls around.

Kelley agreed to a contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, pending a physical, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. Kelley is expected to slot into a set-up role with the Nats, who are committed to overhauling their bullpen this offseason.

Kelley (forearm) threw a 20-pitch simulated game Friday and expects to be ready to return Tuesday, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Interim manager Pat Murphy said afterward that Kelley's "fastball command is not quite there, but he's healthy." A forearm strain has sidelined Kelley since Sept. 1, but if he makes it through one more bullpen session Sunday, he should be available for the Giants series next week.

Kelley (forearm) began a throwing program Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kelley will likely throw bullpen sessions over the next couple of days before tossing live batting practice as he attempts to work his way back from the forearm issue. It's possible he could return to the Padres' bullpen at some point during the weekend.

Kelley (forearm) is expected to miss two or three more days, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was initially feared that Kelley's strained forearm would cost him the remainder of the season, but Wednesday's MRI revealed nothing severe. The Padres will have Kelley rest up a few days before possibly turning back to him at some point during their weekend series against the Dodgers.