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| Rick Ankiel's days with the Nationals appear to be over. (Getty Images) |
In order to make room on the active roster for returning reliever Drew Storen, the Nationals will designate outfielder Rick Ankiel for assignment, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.
The 24-year-old Storen thrived as the Nats' closer last season, but he hasn't pitched in 2012 (save for his recently completed minor-league rehab assignment) after have bone fragments removed from his elbow in early April. For the time being, Tyler Clippard will likely continue working as Washington's closer, but Storen will provide much-needed depth and could eventually resume his ninth-inning role.
As for Ankiel, the return of Michael Morse and the emergence of Tyler Moore have marginalized the 33-year-old outfielder. As well, Jayson Werth's pending return from injury means a bottleneck in the Nationals' outfield.
On the season, Ankiel is hitting .228/.282/.411 with five home runs in 171 plate appearances. His occasional pop from the left side and powerful throwing arm in the outfield likely mean the Nats will be able to find a taker for him. He's owed the balance of his $1.25-million contract for 2012.
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