Nationals Closer Has UCL Sprain; To Miss Significant Time

The move seemingly came out of nowhere. The Washington Nationals have announced that closer Tanner Rainey has a UCL sprain, and has been placed on the injured list. But not the 15-day IL. He goes straight to the 60-day IL, indicating that he's pretty much done for the season.

The UCL is the ligament in the elbow that is commonly repaired by Tommy John surgery, which of course means a 12-18 month recovery for a pitcher. The Nationals haven't yet indicated that this is a definite outcome for Rainey, though it is likely. 

Suffice it to say that he won't be pitching for a while. 

Dave Martinez said Tanner Rainey experienced discomfort Monday, the day after last appearance. Received treatment, didn't improve, underwent MRI that showed UCL sprain. The Nats will get further info. "When you're talking about the UCL, you're always concerned," said Martinez.

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"When you're talking about the UCL, you're always concerned," said manager Dave Martinez.

Rainey had emerged as the Nats closer this season, picking up 12 saves in 16 opportunities, with a 3.30 ERA and 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He tossed two shutout innings on Sunday in his most recent appearance. 

Veteran reliever Tyler Clippard, who does have some big league closing experience, was recalled from Triple-A. The once-popular Nationals pitcher makes his return to D.C., after signing a minor-league contract with the team in the offseason. 

The 37-year-old Clippard pitched in a club record 414 games from 2009-14.

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