WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Once the Nationals began talking up their potential in-house options at closer, two names emerged as the favorites: Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen.
Both pitchers excelled in high-leverage situations with the Nats in 2016, although neither player has consistent experience pitching in the ninth inning. As of Wednesday afternoon, neither player had any more clarity of his role in 2017. However, if the team cannot acquire a veteran with experience pitching the ninth, Kelley and Treinen are the favorites to begin the season with the job.
"Somebody is going to be pitching the ninth inning," Kelley said.