Nationals Watch Archive: July 2012

• Nationals considering moving Strasburg to back of rotation after break

  With both Strasburg and Gonzalez expected to pitch in the All-Star Game, the Nationals are considering putting them at the back of the line in their rotation when they come out of the All-Star break. Published July 3 2012

• With Jones named to NL All-Star team, Harper now second in Final Vote

  When Major League Baseball released the latest tallies Tuesday afternoon, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was in third place in the Final Vote for the All-Star team, trailing St. Louis' David Freese and Atlanta's Chipper Jones. Jones won't have to rely on the fans to get him there any longer. Jones was named to the NL All-Star team Tuesday evening, replacing injured Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. That would appear to clear the way somewhat for Harper to earn the fans' vote to become one of the youngest All-Stars in MLB history. He'd have to leapfrog Freese, of course. Published July 3 2012

• Storen set to begin rehab Thursday, plus other injury updates (UPDATED: Rodriguez activated, Wang to DL)

  Washington Nationals closer Drew Storen threw a successful simulated game at Nationals Park on Monday afternoon and he'll begin a rehab assignment on Thursday -- the final step in his return from surgery to remove a bone chip in his right elbow. Published July 3 2012

• Tyler Clippard named MLB Delivery Man of the month

  This time last year, Tyler Clippard was learning that he was an All-Star for the first time. On Monday, he earned an award of a different kind. After converting all 10 of his save opportunities in June, Clippard was named the Delivery Man of the month by Major League Baseball. Published July 2 2012

• Bryce Harper is in the Final Vote contest, but he's voting for Chipper Jones

  Nationals' rookie outfielder Bryce Harper has been considered a lot of things. And earlier this season, maybe no more than three weeks ago, even he pondered the idea of what it would be like to be considered an All-Star. Published July 1 2012

• Strasburg, Gonzalez, Desmond named to 2012 NL All-Star team, Harper in Final Vote

  Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson strolled around the clubhouse Sunday morning, a smile plastered to his face, handing out good news to three of his best players this season. Published July 1 2012

• Chien-Ming Wang still struggling with delivery

  Wang, who was moved out of the Nationals' rotation 12 days ago due to ineffectiveness and a delivery flaw that he couldn't seem to get right, has struggled in his two appearances out of the bullpen. Published July 1 2012