Sean Doolittle Placed on 10-Day IL With Right Knee Tendinitis

Nationals' closer Sean Doolittle has been downright dreadful of late, and perhaps it's not entirely his fault. It appears the veteran reliever has been fighting a knee injury.

The Nats placed Doolittle on the 10-day IL with right knee tendinitis after he blew a save on Saturday night. He will be eligible to return on August 27.

The injury could explain Doolittle's recent struggles. Over his past five appearances, the 32-year-old was tagged for multiple runs on three separate occasions. He's surrendered 10 earned runs through 4.0 innings of work during that span, allowing five home runs and striking out just two batters.

That includes last night's performance during which he blew a save while allowing three home runs and retiring just one batter against the Brewers.

His recent outings have cost the Nats lately, and his 1.404 WHIP does little to restore confidence in the veteran. While he does boast 28 saves, he's also blown six and his woes in August have seen his ERA inflate from 2.93 all the way to its current 4.33 mark.

After an excellent season with the Nats last year, notching 25 saves and a cool 1.60 ERA, Doolittle has not lived up to expectations in 2019.

Hopefully he'll be able to return soon and help contribute to Washington's playoff push, although lately he's been more detrimental than useful to the Nationals' chances of playing in October.