Henry Rodriguez blew his third save of the season in Sunday's 9-6 loss to the Reds. Control issues continue to plague Rodriguez, who seemed to be annoyed by a wet mound in this one. He gave up a leadoff single to Ryan Hanigan and later issued two walks before Joey Votto's walkoff grand slam. It's his second blown save in his last four chances. Rodriguez figures to have a little more leash, but owners should note that Drew Storen (elbow) could be back in early June.

Henry Rodriguez slammed the door on the Reds on Saturday night in Cincinnati, picking up his eighth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning. Rodriguez struck out the side on only 10 pitches in the brief but impressive showing. He will continue to hold significant fantasy value until Drew Storen returns.

Henry Rodriguez pitched a perfect ninth for a save Tuesday against the Padres. Rodriguez has earned saves in four straight appearances now, and he's still allowed just one hit in 8 1/3 innings for the season. He'll make fans nervous with his control problems from time to time, but he's looking awfully good right now.

Henry Rodriguez picked up his fourth save of the season as the Nationals shut out the Marlins on Friday. It wasn't Rodriguez' cleanest inning of the season, but he managed to overcome a couple of walks and preserve the shut out. He appears to be distancing himself from Brad Lidge as the team's primary closer in the absence of Drew Storen.

Henry Rodriguez converted his second save of the season Monday, allowing one walk while striking out one in a win over the Astros. Rodriguez walked Jed Lowrie on a 3-2 pitch with two outs, but he then whiffed J.D. Martinez on three pitches to end it. The hard-throwing right-hander has walked four in 5 1/3 innings this season, but he's also struck out eight and allowed just one hit and no runs. He's out-pitching Brad Lidge right now but will likely continue to share save chances with the veteran while Drew Storen is on the shelf.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said he's grooming Henry Rodriguez to be his backup closer on days when Drew Storen needs a break. "One thing is, he is as strong as an ox," Johnson said. "I've used him a few times in a row and he has been outstanding. So he can handle any workload that you throw on him." It's a bit of a surprise, as you'd think Tyler Clippard would be first in line for saves behind Storen, but there's no denying Rodriguez has been terrific of late, posting a 2.60 ERA over his last 27 2/3 innings while striking out 32. The flamethrower will be someone to keep in mind later on in drafts next spring.

Henry Rodriguez returned to action on Sunday July 3.

Henry Rodriguez will be unavailable for the Nationals Saturday after being sent home with strep throat. It's bad timing given that they have a doubleheader with the Pirates Saturday, which will leave the Nats bullpen short-handed. Consider Rodriguez day-to-day.