Wang Activated

CSN Washington has reported this afternoon that Nationals pitcher Chien-Ming Wang has been activated from the DL and will be available for tonight's game against the Phillies. This move comes on the heels of the club sending reliever Ryan Mattheus to the 15-day DL due to a partial tear of his plantar fascia.

Mattheus has been bothered by this condition for a few weeks now. His foot has gotten so bad that he needed to see a specialist in Baltimore about it. According to the report, even if he needs surgery, he'll only be out for no more than two weeks.

Wang has been out of the majors since March 30th when he pulled his hamstring. Wang had an ERA of just over 4.00 throughout his starts in the minor leagues.

Tonight, he will take over an unfamiliar role. He will be used solely out of the bullpen. Since three days ago he started on the mound for AAA Syracuse, Wang will only pitch one inning if he is needed.

Don't expect Wang to get back in the starting rotation this season. Nationals manager Davey Johnson has stated before that he is not going to break up the majors best starting five. Wang will take on a long relief role and will be used incase someone gets the hook early in their start.


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