Finnegan worked around a lead-off double to set the Marlins down and earn the save in this one. Despite being a free agent until spring training had already begun, he’s among the league-leaders with four saves on the season and looks to have ample security as the Nationals’ closer.

Dave Martinez, MLB’s most irresponsible manager when it comes to handling relievers, never should have asked this of Finnegan after he threw 36 pitches the last two days, but Finnegan put his arm on the line for the team that non-tendered him in November and came through with a big performance. He’ll be down Tuesday, which might lead to a save chance for Jorge López or Jose A. Ferrer.

Finnegan got the call to protect a one-run lead in the final frame and needed 23 pitches (16 strikes) to get the job done. He struck out rookie Tim Tawa to kick things off before giving up a double to Corbin Carroll. He won a nine-pitch battle with Geraldo Perdomo before getting Randal Grichuk to ground out to extinguish the threat. He’s converted all three of his save opportunities to open the year and looks like one of the better closer values from spring drafts.

Finnegan was summoned in the ninth inning with a two-run lead against the Diamondbacks. He walked the leadoff man before a wild pitch put a runner in scoring position. Alek Thomas made it a one-run game with a single. Finnegan would get a fly out and Thomas was caught stealing to end the game with his second save of the season.