Nationals and RHP Tyler Clippard avoided arbitration by agreeing to a contract. No word yet on the terms involved. Clippard was arbitration-eligible for the second time this winter after earning $1.65 million last season. The Nationals have come to terms with six of their seven arbitration-eligible players, leaving only right-hander Jordan Zimmermann.

On the same day that Nationals manager Davey Johnson announced that Tyler Clippard would share the closer's role with Drew Storen, Clippard picked up a blown save in Friday's loss to the Brewers. He surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits in just 2/3 of an inning. He took over with a 2-1 lead, trying to protect a gem of an outing by Edwin Jackson. Clippard has now taken losses in each of his last two outings, and three of his last seven.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson announced on Friday that for the remainder of the season, Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen will share closing duties. Even though Clippard is having a dominating season, he's allowed six runs on 11 hits over his last 6 2/3 innings, opening the door for Storen to work in high leverage situations once again. While some teams struggle to find one shut-down option at the back of the bullpen, the Nationals have two of the best in the business and can't go wrong with either.

Tyler Clippard was a bit shaky, issuing two walks, but managed to escape his save chance unscathed against the Mets on Friday. Clippard took over with a 6-4 lead in the ninth and walked two hitters, putting the winning run at the plate, but was able to escape without any damage being done. He's now converted 26 saves on the season to go along with a 2.93 ERA and 68/26 K/BB ratio over 55 1/3 innings.

Tyler Clippard collected his 24th save of the season in Saturday's 6-5 defeat of the Diamondbacks. Clippard hit a minor rough patch earlier this month but is now back to his dominant ways. The right-hander boasts a 3.04 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 65 strikeouts through 53 1/3 innings this season. He should be able to hold off Drew Storen and maintain his spot at the very end of the Washington bullpen. The Nats are 71-43.

Tyler Clippard shut out the Astros in the 12th inning Tuesday, earning his 23rd save of the year in the process. It wasn't the smoothest outing. After entering a 3-2 game, Clippard allowed an infield single, got two outs, and then walked a batter. With two on and two out, he wriggled free from the jam. For Clippard, this was a performance he desperately needed. Entering this evening, he had given up a run in three of his last five appearances, walking four and allowing four hits in the process. With Drew Storen nipping at his heels, Clippard re-affirmed his position -- at least for another day -- as Washington's closer in the short-term.

Tyler Clippard blew his fourth save of the season Monday against the Astros. Clippard entered the bottom of the ninth inning with a one-run lead and gave up a one-out, game-tying double to Jose Altuve. On the bright side, he was able to strike out the next two batters to end the threat and keep the Nationals in the game. The Nats ended up taking the lead in the 11th on a major defensive gaffe and Craig Stammen notched the victory. Drew Storen is the obvious alternative to Clippard for the closer role, but he walked two out of the three batters he faced in the eighth inning and barely eeked his way out of trouble. We don't see Nationals manager Davey Johnson making a change. At least not yet.

Tyler Clippard was a bit shaky against the Phillies on Thursday, walking a pair of hitters before effectively converting his 21st save of the season. Clippard has been off since returning from the All-Star break, posting a 6.55 ERA over 11 outings, while converting 6-of-8 save chances. With Drew Storen easing his way back into high leverage situations, he may soon be in the discussion for save chances if Clippard continues to struggle.

Tyler Clippard pitched a flawless ninth inning Wednesday for his third save in five days. Clippard gave up eight runs in three appearances during a four-day span last week, but he's been fine since, pitching hitless innings each of his last three times out.

Tyler Clippard allowed three runs on three hits Tuesday night against the Mets, blowing his first save since taking over the Nationals' ninth-inning gig. Clippard had also been shaky over his previous four outings after easily converting his first 13 save chances. With Drew Storen on the comeback trail, now is not the most opportune time for Clippard to start struggling.