WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Dave Martinez has defended Kelvin Herrera throughout the reliever's struggles since Washington traded for him on June 18. After all, Herrera had spent his entire career in Kansas City and was adjusting to new hitters and ballparks.
With closer Sean Doolittle likely to remain on the disabled list for several more weeks with a stress reaction in his left foot, Herrera has taken over closing duties, the same job he had with the Royals. The right-hander took on that test for the first time in a Nationals jersey on Sunday to seal Washington's 6-2 win over the Braves at Nationals Park, which featured two rain delays.