Nationals placed RHP Henry Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right index finger. Rodriguez slammed his finger in a door last week. He tried to pitch through the injury but wasn't really able to. The hard-throwing right-hander leaves behind an ugly 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 23/14 K/BB ratio. He's converted nine saves in 12 opportunities.

Henry Rodriguez returned to action on Tuesday June 5.

Henry Rodriguez (finger) doesn't think he'll be able to pitch Friday night. Rodriguez slammed a door on his right index finger earlier this week and is still dealing with some swelling. Consider him day-to-day.

Henry Rodriguez was unavailable to pitch Wednesday after slamming a door on his right index finger. The finger is a little swollen, but the Nationals are hopeful that Rodriguez will be available to pitch Friday following Thursday's off day. Rodriguez has given up a run in each of his two outings since being removed from the closer role.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Tuesday that Henry Rodriguez is being moved out of the closer role. Rodriguez is one of the hardest throwers in the major leagues and carries a potentially dominant arsenal, but he has blown three saves and owns an underwhelming 4.50 ERA on the season. The Nationals will use a closer-by-committee approach going forward, with Sean Burnett, Craig Stammen and Tyler Clippard all getting chances until Drew Storen (elbow) is ready to be activated.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson indicated Monday that he is considering using a closer-by-committee moving forward. Johnson has stood behind Henry Rodriguez throughout his recent struggles, but he's on the verge of making a change after pulling him from a save opportunity Monday night against the Phillies. "I'm going to sleep on it, but I'm looking at other alternatives," said Johnson. We still think Rodriguez will get some chances, but Craig Stammen, Sean Burnett and Tyler Clippard will also be thrown into the mix. It's not an ideal situation for fantasy owners.

Henry Rodriguez returned to action on Saturday May 19.

Henry Rodriguez could be unavailable again Wednesday due to tightness in his right forearm. Rodriguez was given a mental break from the closer's role Tuesday, but evidently that wasn't the only reason he was unavailable. But, the Nationals don't think he's dealing with anything other than normal soreness. Manager Davey Johnson said Rodriguez remains the team's closer.

Henry Rodriguez will get the day off Tuesday, but Nationals' manager Davey Johnson said that the young fireballer is still the team's closer.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Monday that Henry Rodriguez is still his closer. Rodriguez has blown two saves in his last four chances, including a walk-off grand slam by Joey Votto on Sunday, but Johnson will continue to rely on him in the ninth inning with Brad Lidge and Drew Storen (elbow) sidelined. "He's still my closer," said Johnson. "As far as I'm concerned, he's been great. I have confidence in him."