Nats closer Doolittle goes to IT after an exploded backup

Sean Doolittle, close to the Washington National, was placed on the injured list Sunday with right knee tendonitis, a day after missing his sixth chance to save from the season.

Doolittle, 32, allowed three home runs and four in the ninth inning on Saturday night against the Milwaukee Brewers to give the Nationals a three-point lead. Washington finally lost the game 15-14 in 14 innings.

"He has always had knee problems," Nationals coach Dave Martinez said Sunday, according to the Washington Times. "He can not stand on the front as he wishes (for his delivery)." I told him: "You are not letting anyone down, but we have to make you understand." He came to a head. "

Martinez said Sunday that he would play matches with his pen in the ninth inning in the absence of Doolittle. But he said Doolittle would not lose his job.

"When he comes back, he will be our closest," Martinez told reporters.

"I'm still looking for answers," said Doolittle after Saturday's game. "I do not know … It was not coming out tonight, this part of the order, this team, there is nothing anywhere to hide.

right-handed Kyle McGowin was recalled from Double-A Harrisburg in a corresponding move.