Nationals activate closer Sean Doolittle from disabled list

Washington-Nationals-relief-pitcher-Sean-Doolittle-pitches-during-the-ninth-inning-of-the-second-baseball-game-of-a-split-doubleheader-against-the-New-York-Mets,-Sunday,-Aug.-27,-2017,-in-Washington.-The-Nationals-won-5-4.-(Nick-Wass/AP)

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle. (Nick Wass/AP)

WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals have activated All-Star closer Sean Doolittle from the 10-day disabled list.

The Nationals made the move before Friday night’s game against the Cubs. The left-hander missed 54 games with a stress reaction in his left foot.

Doolittle is 3-2 with a 1.45 ERA in 35 appearances. He has 22 saves in 23 chances.

The 31-year-old was chosen as an All-Star for the second time in his career, but had to miss the game, which was held at Nationals Park.

His return likely means a passenger for Washington’s bullpen cart, which debuted Aug. 17 but has yet to be utilized by a player. Doolittle has said he will ride in the cart.

Washington began the day 8 1/2 games behind Atlanta in the NL East and 9 1/2 back in the wild card race.

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