Ayala passed up for closer's job: After the trade of Jon Rauch, the Nationals turn to Joel Hanrahan as the closer for the rest of the season. Hanrahan is second among major league relievers in strikeouts with 65. In the past four weeks, Hanrahan has a 1.80 ERA in his past 13 outings. "I'm excited. Obviously, I wish Chad (Cordero) was here as the closer. He is a good friend of mine," Hanrahan told MLB.com. "(Being a closer) was one of my goals. I didn't think it would happen this year. It's something I look forward to. Hopefully, I can do a good job at it." Luis Ayala and Saul Rivera will serve as his primary setup men. (Updated 07/23/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Ayala is older and still trying to get back to his past self after Tommy John surgery. The Nationals take a look at the younger Hanrahan right now and for as long as he doesn't completely implode. Ayala is a intriguing middle reliever because he could see some save leftovers, but that's about it. (Updated 07/23/2008).
No information available at this time.
Ayala passed up for closer's job: After the trade of Jon Rauch, the Nationals turn to Joel Hanrahan as the closer for the rest of the season. Hanrahan is second among major league relievers in strikeouts with 65. In the past four weeks, Hanrahan has a 1.80 ERA in his past 13 outings. "I'm excited. Obviously, I wish Chad (Cordero) was here as the closer. He is a good friend of mine," Hanrahan told MLB.com. "(Being a closer) was one of my goals. I didn't think it would happen this year. It's something I look forward to. Hopefully, I can do a good job at it." Luis Ayala and Saul Rivera will serve as his primary setup men. (Updated 07/23/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Ayala is older and still trying to get back to his past self after Tommy John surgery. The Nationals take a look at the younger Hanrahan right now and for as long as he doesn't completely implode. Ayala is a intriguing middle reliever because he could see some save leftovers, but that's about it. (Updated 07/23/2008).
= probable start
