Nationals agree to one-year contract with Chien-Ming Wang

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with free-agent right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang on a one-year contract for the 2012 season. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Wang went 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA in 11 starts with the Nationals in 2011, returning to the big leagues after missing more than two seasons with a right shoulder injury. The 31-year-old went 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA in his final nine starts last season. "I am elated that Chien-Ming Wang will be with us in Washington again in 2012," said Rizzo. "I was very pleased with his progress and overall production last year and am anxious to see what he can do with a completely healthy offseason at his disposal. Beyond Wang's on-field results, everyone in our clubhouse admires his professional demeanor and appreciates the personal sacrifices he's endured to regain full health. He is a great example for all of us." Wang was signed by Washington as a free agent in February 2010 and spent most of the last two seasons rehabilitating a torn shoulder capsule, which was surgically repaired by Dr. James Andrews on July 29, 2009. "I am appreciative of the opportunity and all the support the Nationals gave me to make the comeback," said Wang. "I am excited about next season, playing together with my teammates, and look forward to doing my best to help the Nationals to the playoffs." During his six big league seasons with the Nationals (2011) and New York Yankees (2005-09), Wang is 59-29 with one save and a 4.15 ERA in 120 games/115 starts. A two-time 19-game winner, his .670 career winning percentage ranks third among active pitchers who have started a minimum of 115 games, behind only Boston's Jon Lester (.691) and Philadelphia's Roy Halladay (.671). Wang paced all big league pitchers with 38 wins and a .745 winning percentage over a two-year period with the Yankees from 2006-07.