Storen's Almost Ready

Storen, above, could return next week. (Photo: longislandpress.com)

Drew Storen has now made three rehab appearances with Washington Nationals High Class-A affiliate Potomac and the Nationals expect him to be back with the club shortly after the All-Star break. The closer has been on the DL since spring training due to elbow surgery.

Storen has been pitching one inning every other night or so for the Potomac Nationals.

In three innings of work for the P-Nats, he has allowed two runs (one-earned) with one strikeout and one walk. Usually, after he finishes his inning on the mound, Storen then heads to bullpen to get some more work in.

Many around the organization believe that the Nationals closer will return very shortly after the All-Star break. He certainly looks ready.  However, it would be a good idea to have him pitch on consecutive nights to see how that elbow holds up.

In 2011, Storen made 73 appearances and pitched 75.1 innings. He struckout 74 batters and walked just 20 en route to picking up 43 saves and blowing just five. He finished with a WHIP of 1.02 and an ERA of 2.75.

When Storen returns, expect him to be in a rotation with Tyler Clippard to start. Clippard has been doing a fantastic job closing for the Nationals since he assumed the role last month. Once the Nationals are satisfied with Storen being able to pitching day-after-day, Clippard could return to his usual set-up role and Storen will become the sole closer.

(JUST SAYING) The Nationals could still have two closers if Clippard goes back to his setup role. Henry Rodriguez is off the DL and will probably become the Nationals other closer to go along with Drew Storen.


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Source: RotoWorld