Led by Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson, and Brandon Kintzler, the Washington Nationals‘ bullpen is uncharacteristically strong entering 2018. While the bullpen is undoubtedly a strength, there are a few question marks.
The most fascinating question mark in the ‘pen is Shawn Kelley. The right-hander dominated in his first season with the Nats, pitching to a 2.64 ERA in 67 games. He pitched so well that he was named the interim closer before the Nats pried Mark Melancon away from Pittsburgh.
Kelley had established himself as an invaluable reliever in the back-end of the bullpen, and quickly became one of Dusty Baker‘s favorites.