Chad

Cordero

''I would prefer not to have [Chad Cordero] in that role, at least not full time right now,’' Robinson said. ''I want to take some of the pressure, some of the load off him. I wouldn’t be afraid to have him out there again, but he will not be the full-time closer this year.’' Might this just be some spring training silliness? Cordero hardly seemed bothered by the pressure last year. He’s still the best bet for saves in the Washington pen. Luis Ayala would get the rest of the chances if Robinson really follows through with this, but we’re skeptical.

It would have been interesting to see just how things would have played out if manager Frank Robinson had brought in Cordero to protect a two-run lead at the start of the eighth. Instead, Gary Majewski entered and gave up four hits to blow the lead, with Mike Stanton and Cordero getting big outs to preserve the tie. Cordero then allowed two runs in the ninth. As little work as Cordero has had lately, he should have been able to handle a two-inning save. He had made one appearance in seven days, that coming in a blowout loss.

Cordero has now lowered his ERA to 3.31, a far cry from last year’s sub-2.00 performance, but much better than he showed earlier this season.

This qualifies as good news. Cordero shouldn’t need much time off to deal with this. Saul Rivera closed in his place on Friday.

Rivera gave up two runs and three hits before finally finishing the ninth. Cordero had worked just once in five days, so something has to be wrong with him.

Cordero hasn’t saved a game since June 17, but at least he has picked up wins in his last three appearances. His ERA stands at 2.90, and he’ll have to get luckier when it comes to save chances the rest of the way.

Andruw Jones hit a homer off Cordero, who still appeared to be hobbled on the mound aftre missing time with an ingrown toenail. He was used today even though the Nationals were down by six runs.

Luis Ayala pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings for the win. Cordero took a blown save and a loss in back-to-back outings last Friday and Monday, but he’s bounced back nicely in his last two appearances.

There’s no shame in getting taken deep by Beltre these days. Cordero ended up receiving the victory after Giovanni Carrara walked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

The 30-year-old right-hander had a 2.89 ERA and 128 saves over parts of seven seasons in the major leagues between the Expos, Nationals and Mariners, but has spent the past four years battling shoulder problems. He led the National League with 47 saves in 2005, when he made his lone All-Star appearance. Cordero announced his retirement after he was released by the Blue Jays last season, but he’s since reconsidered.