The Washington Nationals look like they have a closer problem... again.
When the team signed Brad Hand to a one-year, $10.5 million contract in January, it was the latest attempt to end the continuing search for a reliable closer that has persisted for almost ten seasons, through four division championships and a World Series title.
Hand’s hold on the closer’s job seems to have lasted all of seven weeks.
His first nine appearances of the season were everything a ballclub could ask for.
Through May 6, the left-hander had converted three saves in as many opportunities and had not allowed an earned run all season.