Is Detwiler ready to become the Nationals' fifth starter?

Is Detwiler ready to become the Nationals' fifth starter?
With good reason, the center of attention in the Nationals' starting rotation are the three frontline pitchers: Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and newly-acquired Gio Gonzalez. Then there are veterans like John Lannan, and rebounding pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Ross Detwiler. But who is the key to this rotation for all of 2012? This season could be the time Detwiler finally makes his move. With a clean bill of health and the opportunity to begin the season with Washington, many...

Nationals mascot Screech headed overseas

Nationals mascot Screech headed overseas
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, a lot of people in the northeast are looking to escape the blunders of winter for more promising weather. It looks like Screech, the popular Nationals mascot, is no exception. As part of the 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series, Screech was selected as the only major league mascot to accompany the team of Major League Baseball All-Stars on the journey. He'll join a group of players overseas for the five-day tournament to be held Nov....

Rizzo: Nationals have ongoing dialogue in pursuit of re-signing Wang

Rizzo: Nationals have ongoing dialogue in pursuit of re-signing Wang
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Sunday the team continues to speak with pitcher Chien-Ming Wang's representatives as they look to nail down a contract extension. Wang finished up his return to baseball after two seasons away with a serious shoulder injury, by throwing six innings of one run ball and contributing an RBI single in the Nationals 4-1 win over the Atlanta Braves Saturday. Wang's record is an impressive 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA. He recorded 16 strikeouts in his final four...

Dave Nichols: Will Wang be part of new dynasty in Washington?

Dave Nichols: Will Wang be part of new dynasty in Washington?
Sunday was just the latest chapter in the comeback of Chien-Ming Wang. Until he tired in the seventh inning, Wang dominated the Florida Marlins for 6 2/3 innings. The last batter he faced, backup catcher Brett Hayes, lined a sinker that didn't sink into the stands in left field, but up until that point he'd allowed just one earned run on five hits. Wang struck out five and, most importantly, did not walk a batter. Wang was sharp from the very beginning, using his always-present sinker to...

Despite four runs allowed, Johnson sees Wang making progress

Despite four runs allowed, Johnson sees Wang making progress
Despite allowing two runs in the first and third frames, Chien-Ming Wang managed to go six innings for the Nationals in a no decision Thursday in Game One of a doubleheader versus the Dodgers. He did not walk a batter and struck out three. Wang said through an interpreter that the Dodgers tried to "get my first pitch. So, later on I threw more breaking balls." Wang said he would like to adjust his warmups so that he gets started a little earlier, that maybe that will help him get in a groove...

Nationals' Wang takes another positive step, but where are all the strikeouts?

Nationals' Wang takes another positive step, but where are all the strikeouts?
After two starts and 12 runs allowed, there was concern about how far Nationals' right-hander Chien-Ming Wang needed to go to get back to his form from 2006 and 2007. Then came wins over the Chicago Cubs and Tuesday over the Cincinnati Reds, where he surrendered four runs in two starts, showing the potential of Wang in a Nationals uniform. He still has a long ways to go, but to see a positive turn in results, where he was pitching out of bad spots, even without his best stuff, was certainly...

Wang notches first win with Nationals; Morse and Gomes homer, 3-1 over Cubs

Wang notches first win with Nationals; Morse and Gomes homer, 3-1 over Cubs
This was the night that Chien-Ming Wang dreamed about during those long hours rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder. Wang (1-2) notched his first major league win since June 28, 2009, and his first as a Washington National, going six innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. The Nationals scored all their runs in the sixth frame and defeated the Chicago Cubs, 3-1 at Wrigley Field. Davey Johnson's postgame comments after the Nationals beat the Cubs 3-1 at Wrigley on Tuesday Wang...

Wang hasn't allowed a hit versus Cubs through five

Wang hasn't allowed a hit versus Cubs through five
Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang has pitched very well so far against the Chicago Cubs. Wang has not allowed a hit through five innings and has induced 10 ground ball outs. He has walked two and hit one batter, but otherwise has looked much improved from his early struggles in his first two starts. Matt Garza has been equal to the task, striking out eight Nationals' through five innings. Garza has struck out every hitter in the Nationals lineup at least once, except for Ryan...

Despite loss, Johnson impressed with Wang's effort

Despite loss, Johnson impressed with Wang's effort
Despite the 8-5 loss to the New York Mets Friday, manager Davey Johnson came away impressed with right-hander Chien-Ming Wang and his debut with the Washington Nationals. What may be more amazing is that we are even talking about Wang pitching again in the major leagues after such a serious shoulder surgery and an extended rehabilitation process. "I thought he threw the ball pertly," Johnson said. "In that first inning, he got the ball up and he (had to face) some good hitters in the...

Wang struggles early, Mets take advantage over Nationals, 8-5

Wang struggles early, Mets take advantage over Nationals, 8-5
Following major shoulder surgery two years ago, it was a major accomplishment for Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang to pitch in a major league game again. In his first game as a National, Wang hit 89 to 93 mph with his fastball, but had difficulty missing bats in the first inning and the New York Mets were quick to take advantage. New York scored four times in the first inning, and with a steady 6 2/3 innings from starter Dillon Gee, were able to hold off the Washington Nationals, 8-5,...

Wang goes four as Nats trail Mets

Wang goes four as Nats trail Mets
Nationals' right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang suffered through a taxing first inning as the New York Mets were able to pound out four straight hits and take a 4-0 lead. Then in the fourth, the Mets went to work again with three hits and a fielding error by Danny Espinosa. Pitcher Dillon Gee had an RBI single off of Wang, who left after four innings. The Mets led 6-0. Wang went four innings, allowed six runs (four earned), one walk, two strikeouts and one wild pitch. He threw 60 pitches, 39...

Mets add to lead against Nationals' Chien-Ming Wang (updated)

Mets add to lead against Nationals' Chien-Ming Wang (updated)
The New York Mets greeted Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang with big opening inning. The Mets drew a walk and then slapped four straight hits off Wang. Daniel Murphy and Angel Pagan with RBI singles. Jason Bay added an RBI groundout and Lucas Duda a sacrifice fly to score two more runs. Bay's out was the first for Wang after five straight hitters reached base. He also threw a wild pitch during the half inning, firing 24 piches with 14 for strike. Wang was having trouble getting sink...

With Wang reinstated, Bernadina optioned to Triple-A Syracuse

With Wang reinstated, Bernadina optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
With right-hander Chien-Ming Wang set to be activated to pitch tonight against the New York Mets tonight, the Nationals will have to make a roster move before first pitch. Outfielder Roger Bernadina was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse prior to first pitch. Manager Davey Johnson said he was impressed with Bernadina's work in D.C. but believes the outfielder has a few things to work on. "I have really liked his enthusiasm," Johnson said. "I have really liked his work. He has been working on...

Jenn Jenson: Ready or not, here comes Wang

Jenn Jenson: Ready or not, here comes Wang
If you squint, Chien-Ming Wang's story looks unremarkable. As a pitching prospect, Wang worked his way through the New York Yankees' minor league system from 2000-2005, playing low Single-A ball in 2000 and 2002, Double-A in 2003 and 2004, and Triple-A in 2004 and 2005. In 2001, he did not play because he was recovering from shoulder surgery. Wang made his big league debut with the Yankees on April 30, 2005, pitched a lot of games in 2006 and 2007, and missed parts of the 2008 and 2009...

Peacock falls in Triple-A debut; Solis wins; Wang update

Peacock falls in Triple-A debut; Solis wins; Wang update
Right-hander Brad Peacock took the loss in his debut for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on Saturday night. He got roughed up a bit in the first inning against Lehigh Valley, allowing two homers, one a three-run shot, in a five-run initial frame. Lehigh Valley won the game 8-6. Peacock was left in and made it to the fifth inning. He posted zeroes in innings two through four. He then allowed a one-out single, hit a batter and was replaced. Zech Zinicola later gave up a three-run home run....

Wang to now pitch Thursday for Double-A Harrisburg

Wang to now pitch Thursday for Double-A Harrisburg
Nationals right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will now make his fourth rehab start on Thursday for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, confirmed a team source. Wang was scheduled to pitch Wednesday night for the Single-A Potomac Nationals, but the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Woodbridge, Va. Wang has looked very good so far as he recovers from a right shoulder surgery in July 2009. Wang has gone 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings, allowing two earned runs, two walks and...

Wang set for fourth rehab start Wednesday at Potomac

Wang set for fourth rehab start Wednesday at Potomac
Nationals right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will make his fourth rehab start Wednesday for the Single-A Potomac Nationals against the Kinston Indians at 7:05 p.m. in Woodbridge, Va. Wang has looked very good so far as he recovers from right shoulder surgery in July 2009. Wang has gone 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings, allowing two earned runs and two walks and striking out seven batters. He has not allowed a run in his last nine innings of work. He last pitched for the New York Yankees...

Wang reaches 91 mph with four scoreless innings in second rehab start

Wang reaches 91 mph with four scoreless innings in second rehab start
Nationals right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang tossed four scoreless innings for the Single-A Potomac Nationals against Wilmington in his second rehab start Saturday night in Woodbridge, Va. Wang, continuing recovery from major shoulder surgery, tossed 38 pitches with 24 for strikes. He allowed two hits, two walks, no runs and struck out two batters. According to reports from the field, all seven of his pitches in first inning were strikes. He was tested in the second frame with 17 pitches,...

Riggleman updates the progress of Kimball, Gaudin and Wang

Riggleman updates the progress of Kimball, Gaudin and Wang
Nationals manager Jim Riggleman updated the status of a few pitchers before Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Reliever Cole Kimball told me over the weekend his shoulder is pain free after a couple of throwing sessions from 60 feet. He was scheduled to throw from 90 feet Sunday. Riggleman said Kimball is throwing a little bit and the reports his arm feels great. "His nature is very positive," Riggleman said. "He said he felt great before he went on the DL. He is just a...

Wang could be close to making first rehab start

Wang could be close to making first rehab start
Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg talked about the positive impression right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang made on him as they both worked out in Viera, Fla., last month. Strasburg said Wang gave him advice on rehabilitating from injuries and what it takes to get better but not push it when you are anxious or frustrated. Wang should know. His recovery from a football-like shoulder injury has been long and strenuous. But it appears the light at the end of the tunnel may be approaching...