Clayton Beeter
Breakdown
Performance
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29 de marzo de 2026
Locks down first save
Beeter earned the save Sunday against the Cubs, throwing a clean ninth inning.
Analysis
Beeter was locked in Sunday, firing each of his six pitches for strikes to nail down the save. The 27-year-old right-hander drew Washington's first save opportunity of the year, suggesting he's at the front of the line when it comes to the closer role. Cole Henry may be in the mix as well, but Beeter could push him back into a setup job with a strong start to the campaign.
27 de marzo de 2026
Called upon in non-save situation
Beeter struck out one and walked two in a scoreless eighth inning during Thursday's 10-4 win over the Cubs.
Analysis
The Nationals held an 8-4 lead when Beeter took the mound to face the bottom half of Chicago's batting order -- not exactly a high-leverage spot for the 2026 debut of a pitcher generally projected to lead the team in saves this season. Washington doesn't have any established options at the back of its bullpen, however, so as long as Beeter remains effective, he should be in the mix to protect close ninth-inning leads. The 27-year-old right-hander will need to display more control than he did Opening Day to stay in the saves picture, as he tossed just 12 of 24 pitches for strikes against the Cubs. Cole Henry and potentially Cionel Perez, who worked the ninth Thursday, could also get save chances while new manager Blake Butera sorts out his bullpen.