Around the NL East: Phillies in trouble

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Atlanta Braves (26-18)
The Braves have turned in four straight wins after sweeping the Dodgers and taking the first of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. They are now 3.5 games ahead of the Nats in the N.L. East as Washington is headed in the other direction with three consecutive losses. Freddie Freeman and Justin Upton have led the way on offense with five RBI each in their last six games. Julio Teheran made two solid starts recently, allowing just three runs through 14 1/3 innings against Minnesota and Arizona.

While they are winning on the field, the Braves were dealt some more bad news regarding their bullpen. Lefty setup man Eric O'Flaherty is scheduled to have Tommy John surgery this afternoon, keeping him out at least a calendar year. They also lost another lefty out of the bullpen in Jonny Venters who had the same procedure last week. Jordan Walden, who would be their next setup option, also remains out with shoulder inflammation.

Player of the Week: 1B Freddie Freeman - 6 H, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 2 R

Storen activated, Ankiel DFA'd

The Nationals activated reliever Drew Storen off the disabled list and designated outfielder Rick Ankiel for assignment before today's series finale against the Mets, moves that leave the club at least temporarily with an eight-man bullpen and four-man bench.

Storen, out since spring training with a bone spur in his right elbow that required surgery, will be available today to make his season debut and could be manager Davey Johnson's best option to close after Tyler Clippatd struggled each of the last two nights.

The right-hander made six appearances on a minor-league rehab assignment with Class A Potomac and Class AA Harrisburg, but it was his most recent appearance Tuesday (a 1-2-3 inning featuring two strikeouts) that convinced club officials he was ready to come off the DL.

The Nationals plan to ease Storen back into a late-inning role and won't hand him back the closer's job he held last season when he saved 43 games. But with Clippard making back-to-back appearances Tuesday and Wednesday nights -- and giving up three home runs between the two games -- Johnson may need to summon someone else to pitch the ninth inning of today's game if the Nationals hold a late lead.
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