Rivero can fill multiple roles for Nationals out of 'pen

The Nationals have been included in trade rumors for fireballing closers like Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and Craig Kimbrel. The team appears to be looking for the bridge to get them from the seventh inning to closer Drew Storen in order to finish off games.

One in-house name that might be able to fit the bill is fastball-throwing left-hander Felipe Rivero.

Rivero came up big for the Nationals on Saturday night, notching four outs and a hold in their 9-3 win over the Pirates.

Rivero now has a 1.96 ERA in 16 appearances this season.

Manager Matt Williams has been impressed with what Rivero has accomplished in a short time with the team. Plus, Rivero is strong enough to get more than one out - and sometimes work more than one inning - because of his experience as a starter.

"It's a little different mentality out of the bullpen, too," Williams told reporters of Rivero's work. "He's been a starter the majority of his minor league career, which means that he's got to conserve as he goes deep in a game. He doesn't necessarily have that worry at this point.

"(Saturday) night, it was really good. (A) 97 mph fastball, that's the best fastball we've seen him have. Some breaking balls for strikes to get ahead, as well. He pitched really well."

The Nationals would love to have a pitcher like Rivero succeed for them. He could be an option in the eighth inning. But Rivero might be more valuable as the long guy from the left side to go with Tanner Roark from the right side.

"(Rivero) can go multiple innings," Williams told reporters. "He's used to that, so that's not an issue for him. And if he's got some lefties coming up, we can stretch him to two if we want."

Rivero also has an intensity about him. He looks intimidating. Similar to starter Max Scherzer, Rivero carries himself with a swagger. The Nationals bullpen needs to start walking the walk and talking the talk. Sometimes that's as difficult for the opponent to overcome as Rivero's 97 mph heater.