The Nationals will be without closer Daniel Hudson for the first game of the National League Championship Series against the Cardinals as he goes on paternity leave, it was announced on Friday.

Hudson is expected to be out for a maximum of three days, but the Nats will be without one of their key relievers for Friday’s start of the series. Wander Suero was activated to the roster but will be removed once Hudson returns.

Traded to Washington from the Blue Jays at the July 31 deadline, Hudson has allowed 18 hits and four earned runs in 25 innings. He holds a 3-0 record with six saves and a 1.44 ERA since joining the Nationals, adding stability to a bullpen that ranks at the bottom of the league in ERA.