Storen to be activated, Ankiel likely designated for assignment

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

July 19, 2012, 6:28am

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The lineup card has been posted in the Nationals clubhouse for today's 12:35 p.m. game against the Mets, and right-hander Drew Storen is listed among the available pitchers. That's a signal Storen has been activated from the disabled list following recovery from surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow. Outfielder Rick Ankiel is not listed among the bench players. His locker has been cleaned out and his nameplate has been removed. It appears the veteran outfielder has been designated for assignment to accommodate Storen's return to the 25-man roster. The team has not yet officially announced a roster move. Catcher Sandy Leon arrived in the Nats clubhouse and is set to be added to the active roster. Jhonatan Solano will land on the 15-day DL with a sore oblique. Shortstop Ian Desmond, who has been bothered by a sore oblique, is not in the starting lineup for a fifth straight day. Here's the Nationals lineup against Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey: 2B - Steve Lombardozzi RF - Bryce Harper 3B - Ryan Zimmerman 1B - Adam LaRoche LF - Michael Morse SS - Danny Espinosa CF - Roger Bernadina C - Jesus Flores P - Gio Gonzalez