Soriano likely unavailable tonight

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Rafael Soriano has appeared in three straight games.

Though they acquired Rafael Soriano specifically to take over closer duties, the Nationals knew all along Drew Storen would still get opportunities to close games. And that first opportunity could come tonight in the opener of a big series against the Braves.

Soriano pitched each of the last three nights, saving every game of the Nationals' sweep of the White Sox, and that leaves his availability for tonight's game against Atlanta up in the air.

Davey Johnson said this afternoon he hadn't yet had a chance to check with Soriano, but the manager suggested he would give the veteran the night off and instead go with Storen should the Nationals hold a slim lead in the ninth inning.

"I think [Storen] probably had a feeling last night he might have been called on, because Soriano has pitched a lot," Johnson said. "I hope we have that problem. I hope we get to a point where it's a decision I have to make."
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