It was a rare clean showing from a Nationals bullpen that had allowed a run in seven straight games.

It was the third save of the season for Glover, who was named one of Washington’s co-closers last month during the team’s previous trip to Atlanta. But when Baker made that change to replace Blake Treinen, the thinking was that Shawn Kelley would be the choice to close games when he was available. Glover would close when Kelley wasn’t. He was No. 2 on the depth chart.

AD

AD

Glover was rested Sunday. He hadn’t pitched since Washington’s previous win, five days earlier in Pittsburgh.

Kelley, who did not pitch Saturday but threw 52 combined pitches in outings Thursday and Friday, was not available, Baker said after the game. Baker then hinted that the role is the 24-year-old Glover’s to lose, as long as his left hip — which recently landed him on the disabled list — cooperates.

“Well, right now he’s the most durable and he throws strikes,” Baker said of Glover. “Kelley wasn’t available today after going [Thursday and Friday]. … A closer has to throw three or four days in a row. So a lot of it relies on Koda’s health, and he wants it. We’re willing to give it to him as long as he keeps doing the job.”

AD

The Nationals have always viewed Glover, an eighth-round pick in 2015, as a future closer. The question was whether he was ready this season, a year after pitching in High-A. He might be their best option. at least until they acquire someone else.

Glover is one of two Nationals relievers with an ERA under 3.00; his 2.77 mark in 13 innings is second to Matt Albers’s 1.62 in 16 2/3 innings. His 1.08 WHIP is also second to Albers. He’s the only reliever who hasn’t allowed a home run besides Matt Grace, who has thrown 5 2/3 innings. Glover has struck out 10 and walked two.

AD

“His stuff is obviously off the charts and he’s got four pitches,” Strasburg said of Glover. “Might get a little cute and might turn him into a starter. But I like him there in the back end. He definitely seems to really enjoy the moment.”

AD

Kelley was placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain early this month and came off May 12 — the same day Glover did. He has made four appearances since returning. He hasn’t allowed a run in three of them, but only one has been a clean outing. He has a 6.08 ERA and has allowed six home runs in 13 1/3 innings.