Papelbon was scheduled to pitch Monday, but was held out due to illness, The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is the second time this spring that Papelbon has been reported to be dealing with some sort of illness, which is a tiny bit concerning. The Nationals' closer has thrown just 3.2 innings so far, posting an ugly 7.36 ERA and 2:3 K:BB ratio, but if he can shake off this lingering bug there's still time for Papelbon to round into form by Opening Day.

Papelbon, who missed a scheduled outing Thursday due to an illness, gave up four runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Given that he may not have been 100 percent healthy, there's not much to be concerned with here, but if Papelbon continues to have trouble finding the strike zone during the spring, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. For now, though, there's no reason to downgrade him on your cheat sheets based on one bad mid-March performance.

Papelbon is expected to rejoin the Nationals on Sunday after leaving camp to attend to a family emergency, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears as though the 35-year-old won't miss a significant portion of spring training due to the issue, and Papelbon is in no danger of losing his spot as the team's closer. He's no longer a top-tier fantasy closer due to his declining strikeout rate, but the Nats should still provide him with plenty of save opportunities this season.

Papelbon has left the Nationals for what manager Dusty Baker called a "family emergency," MASN's Pete Kerzel reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is not an injury, and Baker suggested Papelbon would return to the team soon, so this should not affect his value on draft day. The offseason was anticlimactic for those who thought the Nationals would rush to part ways with Papelbon, and he now appears to be among the safer options in the second tier of closers.

Papelbon has reported to spring training and has already had a positive discussion with Dusty Baker, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon's relationship with the Nationals seemingly hit a low in early December when he filed a grievance against the team for docked pay from his suspension after he choked Bryce Harper in a dugout altercation, but the hatchet seems to have been buried. Harper has already said he supports the troubled closer, as reported by the Washington Post, and a good discussion with Baker gives him another supporter. Papelbon was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, but his reputation and $11 million salary made him a hard sell for teams. Something could still definitely happen between now and Opening Day, but it is looking increasingly likely that Papelbon will once again assume closer duties for Washington.

Papelbon has dropped his appeal of a three-game suspension from the MLB and has been suspended four games by the Nationals, effectively ending his 2015 season.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon will finish the 2015 season having converted just 24 saves between the Nationals and Phillies, compiling a 2.13 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 56 strikeouts over 63.1 innings. He remains under contract through 2016, so he should be back as the club's closer again next season. In the meantime, Casey Janssen appears the likely candidate to close out games when a save opportunity presents itself.

Papelbon was involved in a dugout altercation with teammate Bryce Harper during Sunday's loss to the Phillies, the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The incident overshadowed the result of what was ultimately a meaningless game after the Nationals were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday. Papelbon appeared to be displeased with Harper slowly jogging out an infield ground ball in the eighth inning, and he confronted Harper in the dugout following the at-bat. Shouting quickly escalated into a physical altercation, as Papelbon grabbed Harper's neck before the pair were rushed by teammates and separated. While Harper was removed from the game and replaced in the field for the final inning, Papelbon was on the mound in the ninth inning. He gave up a two-run home run to Andres Blanco and was charged with five of Philadelphia's eight runs in the final frame. Papelbon is currently appealing a three-game ban for hitting Baltimore's Manny Machado earlier in the week, and it remains to be seen whether he'll be disciplined internally following Sunday's dustup.

Papelbon was given a three-game suspension and a fine for hitting Manny Machado with a pitch, but will appeal the suspension, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran closer maintained after the game the hit-by-pitch was unintentional and that he didn't agree with his ejection, so it makes sense he'll dispute the decision. Since he's appealing, the suspension won't go into effect Friday, but later in the season if it is upheld.

Papelbon gave up two hits in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to notch his 24th save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

He'd been scored upon in four straight appearances and blown two straight saves coming into Saturday, so even if Papelbon wasn't overpowering, he'll take it. The Nats don't exactly have any other obvious candidates to close with Drew Storen (thumb) out of action, so it would probably take a complete meltdown for Papelbon to lose his spot as the closer.

Papelbon took a blown save, allowing one run (unearned) on one hit while striking out a pair in his inning of work.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon hadn't blown a save all year, and has now blown two in a row, albeit this one wasn't completely his fault. He allowed a double to Miguel Rojas who advanced to third on a throwing error by Bryce Harper, and would later score on a sacrifice fly making the run unearned. The Nationals came back to win the game in 10 innings, so no harm done, and Papelbon should be fine going forward.