Nationals activate Storen, designate Ankiel

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals activated right-handed reliever Drew Storen from the disabled list and designated outfielder Rick Ankiel for assignment on Thursday.

Storen, who had 43 saves last season, had surgery in April to remove bone chips from his right elbow and hasn't pitched this season.

Ankiel, who turned 33 on Thursday, batted .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs.

Washington has eight pitchers in the bullpen and four position players on the bench after the moves.

The Nationals also placed catcher Jhonatan Solano on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle and recalled catcher Sandy Leon from Double-A Harrisburg.

Updated July 19, 2012