Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth inning while allowing a walk to earn his eighth save Friday at the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon walked the leadoff hitter before inducing the next hitter to ground into a double play to end the threat and protect the one-run lead he was given. He's now held opponents scoreless over his last five outings since blowing his only save of the season to lower his ERA to 2.61.

Papelbon struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to notch his seventh save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

He hasn't exactly been flawless this season, as his 3.52 ERA in 7.2 innings attests, but Papelbon's 6:0 K:BB is still quite strong and he should continue to get plenty of save opportunities as the closer for a potentially dominant Nats squad.

Papelbon worked around a single in a scoreless ninth Wednesday against Miami for his sixth save of the year.

EDGE Analysis

After being blown up in Philadelphia over the weekend, Papelbon got a couple days off and came right back with a strong outing. His ratios are a bit inflated in the early going here because the veteran closer's allowed nine hits in 6.2 innings, but Papelbon also hasn't walked a batter yet this year.

Papelbon (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits over 0.2 innings as he blew the save and also took a loss Sunday at the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon came into pitch the 10th inning after a Bryce Harper bomb gave the Nationals a one-run lead, but he gave up consecutive run-scoring hits to end the ball game. Despite his struggles, he came into this game having recorded saves in each of his previous five appearances. For now, this appears to be little more than a blip on the radar.

Papelbon earned his league-leading fifth save of 2016 Wednesday, shutting the door on Atlanta in the 3-0 victory.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander did allow A.J. Pierzynski to single, but he was erased by Erick Aybar's double play to end the game. The only run Papelbon has allowed this season was a solo home run by Christian Yelich on Sunday. Papelbon is a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities with four strikeouts in five innings.

Papelbon recorded his fourth save with a clean inning Monday against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon is perfect in his four save opportunities and has allowed just one run, a meaningless solo home run by Christian Yelich on Sunday. Papelbon has four strikeouts and has yet to walk a batter and continues to showcase pinpoint control. 2016 would mark his sixth consecutive season with a 2.5 BB/9 or lower.

Papelbon gave up a solo home run to Christian Yelich on Sunday but still came away with his third save of the season in a 4-2 victory over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Papelbon is seeing plenty of save opportunities with the Nats, and his 4:0 K:BB through his first three innings isn't too bad either. He'll never be one of the most popular players in the dugout, but as long as he remains effective he should continue to thrive as the team's closer.

Papelbon allowed the Braves to pick up a pair of hits in the ninth inning Wednesday, but struck out two for his second save in as many games.

EDGE Analysis

Now 35 years old, the veteran still somehow doesn't get enough credit in fantasy circles for how rock-solid he's been as a closer. Sure, he'd probably be one of the last few selected if we drafted players based on personality, but you'd be hard pressed to find any fantasy leagues that count locker-room presence or number of choking incidents. Most leagues do count saves, though, and Papelbon should rack up plenty of those for a Nationals team that seems poised to bounce back from a disappointing 2015 campaign.

Papelbon struck out one in a scoreless 10th inning Monday to pick up his first save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

For one game at least, Papelbon put his rough finish to 2015 behind him and got the job done. He wasn't able to top 91 mph with his fastball, but that velocity is in line with his performance over the last couple of seasons. The Nats figure to win a lot of games, so Papelbon should be line for plenty of save opportunities assuming he can stay out of trouble off the mound.

Papelbon tossed a scoreless inning in his return to the mound Wednesday after he was held out of a scheduled appearance Monday.

EDGE Analysis

He'll open the season as the closer for the Nationals, and he should have a significant amount of job security. With five appearances in Grapefruit League games under his belt this spring, Papelbon may only need two or three more innings before he's ready for the start of the season.