Lidge doesn't have the stuff to be a closer anymore. If DJ is stuck on not giving the job to HRod, then MPH can share with it Matheus or Stammen. Doesn't matter. But I would keep Clipp as the 8th inning guy. He's just so effective there and I don't want to mess with two spots.
I don't want to mess with two spots, either, but Clippard seems better equipped to handle 9th inning pressure. HRod is good as long as everything goes right, but his fielding worries me (that bunt by the Mets.) and he seems to get shaky when he doesn't get the strike calls.
I don't know how to "teach" a closer to be calm, and I haven't seen pitchers practice fielding in years, but HRod needs both.
Maybe start him a few times, assuming he will go three innings and be relieved by a real starter? Let him experience normal hits and ground balls, bunts and covering first. Not a completely serious suggestion, but what else can the Nats do?