In a lost season for the Washington Nationals (30-59), they may have just lost their closer for the rest of the way. Tanner Rainey was placed on the 60-day injured list with a right UCL sprain. These types of injuries usually lead to Tommy John surgery, which is where Rainey is likely headed. Not only will the right-hander miss the rest of this year, but normal recovery is at least a year, sometimes as long as two, after undergoing this type of procedure.
The 29-year-old hurler got the first chance of his five-year career to finish big league games in 2022. Rainey responded with 12 saves, a 3.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 30 innings as the Nats closer.
Kyle Finnegan and Steve Cishek have each logged a save this year and have previous experience in the closer role. Andres Machado could also see some opportunities in the ninth.
Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, Washington is a slight home dog against the Seattle Mariners tonight. The Nats sit at +100 while the M’s are -118 on the moneyline.
