Papelbon now appears unlikely to sign with another team this season, WEEI's Rob Bradford reports.

Papelbon was officially released by the Nationals on Saturday, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

Papelbon is expected to be granted his release from the Nationals, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

Papelbon is out as the Nationals' closer with the team acquiring Mark Melancon from Pittsburgh on Saturday, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Manager Dusty Baker would not commit to Papelbon remaining the closer when asked about Papelbon's status Saturday, Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post reports.

Papelbon was yanked with one out in the ninth inning Thursday against the Giants after allowing a hit and a walk. He was ultimately charged with a run.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker suggested after Tuesday's loss to the Indians that the team could potentially explore a closing change, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports. "It's too soon after [the game to make a decision on a closer]," Baker said about 15 minutes after the loss. "I mean, that's [Papelbon's] job. That's what he's getting paid for. I don't know. We just have to go back to the drawing board. It's too early to say after the game."

Papelbon (2-4) blew the save and took the loss as he failed to get an out and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks Tuesday against Cleveland.

Papelbon gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday, striking out two, to pick up his 19th save of the season in a win over the Mets.

Papelbon struck out one in a perfect ninth inning during Friday's win over the Mets to notch his 18th save of the season.