Papelbon was unavailable Thursday due to an illness, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon wouldn't have been used anyway as the Nationals never had a save situation, but it's worth monitoring if he's needed for such a situation in the next couple days. If not, Casey Janssen would be the likely candidate to pitch the ninth inning in his place.

Papelbon picked up a win despite blowing a save Monday night, giving up one earned run while striking out a batter in an 8-7 win over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon labored through a 22 pitch inning against his former team, giving up a solo homer to light-hitting Freddy Galvis. The blown save was Papelbon's first of the season, as the veteran closer has otherwise been excellent with both the Phillies and Nationals.

Papelbon logged two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out one as he picked up a win in the Nationals' 5-2 victory over the Braves in 10 innings Friday night.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon (3-1, 1.68 ERA) has done a very solid job since coming over from the Phillies. He is 23-for-23 in save chances, and sports a nifty 1.68 ERA as the Nationals push for the playoffs.

Papelbon allowed two hits, but escaped with his 23rd save while striking out one in a 4-3 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon ended the game with runners on the corners, as a win never seems like an easy task for the Nationals right now. It's been an underrated season for the criticized closer, as he has a 1.74 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 51.2 innings pitched. The most impressive part of his season is that he hasn't blown a save in his 23 opportunities.

Papelbon worked around a pair of hits to nail down his 22nd save of the season Sunday against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran was staked to a three-run lead upon entering the game and was able to respond once the tying man came to the plate. Papelbon has totaled just five saves in his month as the Nationals' closer, but his 1.78 ERA and 0.94 WHIP indicate that he is still highly effective when called upon.

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to trade relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, according to FOX Sports. The trade has not been made official, but it seems as if Papelbon is headed to Washington, where he will reportedly take over as the team's closer. Papelbon's contract includes a no-trade clause, so any deal will have to be approved by him, as well as the guarantee that he will serve as the closer wherever he lands, that his $13 million vesting option is exercised and that he winds up with a contender. Drew Storen is currently serving as the closer in Washington, but he would seemingly move back to a setup role once the deal is done. Despite the Phillies' struggles this season, Papelbon is 17-for-17 in save opportunities and has a 1.59 ERA, the second lowest of his career.

Papelbon reiterated Monday that he wants to be traded, CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury reports. The Phillies presumably don't have any objections in theory, but they need to find a taker for Papelbon's contract. The 34-year-old reliever is signed for $13 million this season, with a $13 million vesting option for 2016 that will kick in if he reaches 48 games (he's already pitched in 32). He also has a partial no-trade clause, which he might not be willing to waive unless his new team were to fully guarantee the vesting option. A deal will probably get worked out by July 31, but it won't be an easy matter to settle unless the Phillies deal Papelbon to a team that's not on his no-trade list, and also agree to pay some of his salary. Once/if Papelbon is traded, Ken Giles will step in as the closer for a team that won't provide many save opportunities. There is perhaps some chance Papelbon will draw interest from teams that want to use him as a setup man, which could provide yet another obstacle in negotiations.

Papelbon allowed a hit and struck out one during a scoreless ninth inning Sunday against the Nationals to earn his 14th save of the season. The 34-year-old is now 14-for-14 in save opportunities and lowered his ERA to 1.82 after Sunday's performance. The only thing working against Papelbon's fantasy stock is a lack of chances for a terrible Phillies team, but a trade seems likely at some point this season and could provide a boost for his owners.

The Phillies have spoken to the Blue Jays about Papelbon recently, CSN Philadelphia reports. This isn't the first time the two sides have discussed Papelbon. He can block a trade to Toronto, but said earlier this year that he would waive his no trade rights to go there. Papelbon's contract remains the biggest stumbling block to a deal. He needs to finish just 26 more games this season for his $13 million option for 2016 to vest. He will likely require that money to be guaranteed up front to accept a trade to any team on his no trade list. Ken Giles will take over closing duties in Philly if Papelbon gets dealt.

Papelbon picked up his 12th save of the season Sunday with a scoreless inning against the Giants. The Phillies are one of the worst teams in the league this season, so save chances have been limited for Papelbon. He has made his opportunities count and is now a perfect 12-for-12 in save chances.