Unless the Nationals make a late move to bring back Kyle Finnegan or perhaps take a flier on Craig Kimbrel, the closer’s role could come down to Sims and Jorge López. Sims definitely has the raw stuff to do the job, but he’s also walked 15% of the batters he’s faced while posting a 3.67 ERA the last two years. López is probably the favorite for saves right now.

Sims split last year between the Red Sox and Reds, finishing with a pedestrian 4.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 49/30 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings (58 appearances). He has plenty of high-leverage experience and would figure to be in the mix with Jorge López, Derek Law and Jose A. Ferrer to close for Washington. Even if he winds up winning the job, his fantasy appeal is limited to extremely deep mixed leagues.

The Red Sox traded for Sims prior to the trade deadline this year. He had an 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 10 innings with Boston. Then he went on the injured list with a lat strain. Sims had a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances with the Reds this year and a 3.10 ERA in 67 appearances in 2023. The Red Sox could certainly use an arm like that out of the bullpen.

It was his first appearance of what should be a brief rehab assignment. Sims has been out since Aug. 27 with a lat strain.