The Washington Nationals swapped two relievers Thursday night.
Ryan Madson was placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 14, because of a sprained right finger. The Nationals first said Madson, 36, had an issue with a blister, before saying he needed further exams. Since being acquired with Sean Doolittle in a mid-July trade, Madson has been exquisite working the eighth inning. He has not allowed a run in nine innings and struck out 13 batters.
Taking Madson’s place is Shawn Kelley. Kelley was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse after missing 51 games because of a right trapezius strain. This has been a lost season for Kelley, 33, who has a 7.00 ERA in 22 major-league games. He did not fare well in Syracuse, either. In 6 2/3 innings, his ERA was 8.10.
Washington is in first place in the National League East. It started a seven-game road trip Thursday night in San Diego.
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