Washington Nationals reliever Drew Storen made his first major league appearance of the 2012 season Thursday afternoon, pitching a scoreless inning in a 9-5 loss to the New York Mets at Nationals.

Storen, who was recalled from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day, retired David Wright, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Jason Bay on nine pitches in the top of the 9th inning. Outfielder Rick Ankiel was designated for assignment to make room for Storen on the roster.

The right-hander had undergone successful surgery to remove a bone fragment from his elbow back in April. In 2011, he recorded 43 saves to go with a 6-3 record and a 2.75 ERA in 75.1 innings pitched.

Also Thursday, the Nationals recalled catcher Sandy Leon from the Harrisburg Senators of the Eastern League (AA) and placed Jhonatan Solano on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.

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