Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard delivers in the top of the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during the Nationals' home opener. (Rod Lamkey Jr/The Washington Times)
Tyler Clippard was converted to a reliever in 2009. Two seasons later he was named to the National League All-Star team. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
National League's Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals pitches during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. Clippard earned the win in relief as the National League beat the American League 5-1. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
This is a 2011 photo of Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals baseball team. This image reflects the Washington Nationals active roster as of Feb. 25, 2011 when this image was taken.†(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Nationals set-up man Tyler Clippard's unique arm angle allows him to blow fastballs past hitters with regularity. His 63 strikeouts are second among all relievers. (Associated Press)
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) throws against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Friday, July 8, 2011, in Washington. The Rockies won 3-2. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
associated press Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard was named Sunday to his first all-star team. Clippard has a 1.96 ERA in 37 appearances.
associated press Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard walks back to the dugout after getting Chicago's Paul Konerko to fly out Sunday to end the seventh inning .
ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington Nationals' reliever Tyler Clippard.
