Papelbon one and done on HOF ballot

WASHINGTON -- Former Nationals reliever Jonathan Papelbon received five votes (1.3%) in his first year of eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It will be his only year on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

In order to remain eligible, players must be selected on at least 5% of the ballots submitted by BBWAA voters.

Former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was the only player elected by the writers in results unveiled Tuesday night on MLB Network. Ortiz will be joined by the six selections of the Golden Days and Early Baseball Era committees -- Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva and the late Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Minnie Mi?oso and Buck O’Neil -- in being inducted into the Hall on July 24 in Cooperstown, N.Y.

? Complete Hall of Fame coverage | 2022 voting results

Papelbon played in Washington for parts of two seasons, from 2015-16, the final chapter of his 12-year Major League career. During that time, he went 4-6 with a 3.84 ERA and 26 saves across 59 appearances. He pitched a total of 58 2/3 innings and collected 47 strikeouts.

The Nationals acquired Papelbon from the Phillies in July 2015 in exchange for right-hander Nick Pivetta. Though relatively brief, Papelbon’s tenure with the Nats had its controversial moments. In late September of ‘15, he was suspended three games for intentionally throwing a pitch near the head of then-Oriole Manny Machado. Days later, Papelbon received a four-game suspension for engaging in a physical altercation with Bryce Harper in the dugout.

Papelbon returned to the team the following season, but he requested to be released in August after being told he was going to be designated for assignment. The Nationals released Papelbon on Aug. 13, 2016.

Overall, Papelbon posted a 41-36 record with 368 saves and a 2.44 ERA in 689 games for the Red Sox, Phillies and Nats. A six-time All-Star, he recorded eight seasons with 30-plus saves, did not allow a run in his first 17 playoff outings and won a World Series with Boston in 2007.

Looking ahead to next year’s potential Hall of Fame ballot, Jayson Werth (2011-17) headlines a group of former Nationals eligible for the first time. Adam Lind (’17), Joe Blanton (’17) and Stephen Drew (’16-17) also could earn spots on the ‘23 ballot.