Kelley lands on DL with strained lower back, Grace recalled

PHILADELPHIA - The Nationals hoped they'd have Shawn Kelley available out of their bullpen tonight after he missed the last two days with an illness. Turns out they're going to be without him a while longer after they placed him on the 10-day disabled list with a strained lower back.

The surprise move came only 15 minutes before first pitch between the Nationals and Phillies, after Kelley's back flared up while trying to determine if he'd be able to appear in the series opener at Citizens Bank Park.

Left-hander Matt Grace was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Kelley's roster spot and may actually be able to make it here in time to pitch tonight. The Chiefs are currently playing in Scranton, Pa., only a two-hour drive from Philadelphia.

Kelley last pitched six days ago, but Major League Baseball allows teams to backdate DL moves only three days. So the Kelley transaction is retroactive to May 2, making him eligible to return on May 12.

Asked this afternoon how he was doing, Kelley said he was feeling better but described his status for tonight as a "gametime decision."

With Kelley now shelved for at least a week, the Nationals find themselves in quite a late-inning conundrum. Koda Glover, who was sharing closer duties with the veteran, remains on the DL himself with a hip impingement.

Glover is eligible to return Saturday, but manager Dusty Baker indicated this afternoon that move won't be made just yet.

"He had an extensive workout yesterday," Baker said. "He still needs a couple 'pens, cause you want him to go out there and be sharp. So we'll take a little extra time to make sure he's sharp."

At the very least, the Nationals figured to wait until after Saturday's game, giving A.J. Cole a chance to start in the spot previously held by Joe Ross. If the club decides to option Cole back to Syracuse after the game, Glover could possibly take his roster spot, with Jacob Turner then sliding back into the rotation.

Who will close tonight's game if the Nationals hold a late lead? Baker didn't have an answer for that late this afternoon, and that was before he knew Kelley's status.

Baker said he'd go into tonight's game with a plan for bullpen usage, but recognizes he may need to adjust based on how things progress.