Washington Nationals: Chien-Ming Wang Pitches into 9th Inning in Triple-a

The Washington Nationals are close to getting Chien-Ming Wang back to the MLB after he pitched into the ninth inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, according to The Washington Post. 

Wang pitched eight-plus innings, allowing four runs, two in the ninth, and struck out one while walking one batter. The most impressive part of his outing was that he recorded 14 ground outs.

Wang's sinker is a huge part of his game, and the ground balls are the measure for how effective his sinker is as he rehabs.

The Nationals will have a decision to make in the upcoming weeks when Wang is ready to return.

They have received superb pitching from Ross Detwiler while Wang has been working his way back into shape. Detwiler has a 3-2 record while pitching to a 2.10 ERA.

While Wang continues to make progress, Detwiler continues to pitch to try and remain in the rotation. It is possible that when Wang is ready, he returns to pitch out of the bullpen. 

The Nationals have some decisions to make, but it is always a better problem to have an abundance of pitching rather than a lack of pitching. 

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