After Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, Nationals manager Davey Johnson was asked about the closer's role, particularly what will occur when Drew Storen returns given Tyler Clippard's stellar performance at the end of games since taking over ninth inning duties. Johnson said Clippard would be his closer when Storen returns from his elbow injury, which it now seems could be by the end of this week.
Via James Wagner of the Washington Post:
Storen is headed down to Viera, Florida to pitch a heavier live BP. He says he'll rejoin the team in Atlanta. About 10 percent left for him.
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) June 24, 2012
As for the news he will no longer be the closer when he returns, Wagner tweets this from Storen:
Drew Storen says he understands this is a business & will do what's asked. "I have all the confidence in the world I can come back & close."
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) June 24, 2012
The Nationals begin a three game series in Atlanta on Friday, before returning home for six games against San Francisco and Colorado leading into the All-Star break.
For more on this injury and all things Washington Nationals baseball, please check out Federal Baseball. For more from around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.