Due to a left calf strain, the Washington Nationals have placed reliever Todd Coffey on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 9. That Nationals have not released specific details on Coffey's injury, but they have already made a call-up from the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.

Balester turned in a fantastic Spring Training performance, but was stiffed by the numbers and business side of the game as he had an option remaining and the team decided to go in a different direction right out of the gate. According to a Nationals Press Release:

Balester earned the promotion to Washington after working 5.0 scoreless innings of relief for Syracuse this season. In those 3.0 innings, Balester fanned six, walked three and allowed four hits. He worked 2.0 one-hit scoreless innings with three strikeouts in his most-recent appearance, Mon. at Lehigh Valley (Phillies).

Coffey was 1-0 with a 6.23 ERA in five appearances for the Nats. He has not pitched in a game since April 8th against the New York Mets.