Chien-Ming Wang activated, Mattheus placed on DL

PHILADELPHIA - After a lengthy rehab process, Chien-Ming Wang has made it back to the majors. The Nationals have activated Wang off the disabled list and placed reliever Ryan Mattheus on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 21, with a plantar fascia strain in his left foot. Wang will slide into the bullpen and serve as a long reliever. The right-hander will work on a starter's schedule, which will allow him to stay stretched out and eventually move to the rotation if a starter gets injured or struggles. If he stays on his current schedule, Wang would piggyback with Ross Detwiler, who is next scheduled to start on Friday. In his most recent rehab start, Wang went 5 2/3 innings with Triple-A Syracuse, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks. Overall, Wang went a combined 3-0 with a 3.52 ERA, 18 strikeouts and six walks in 30.2 innings during his five-game rehab assignment. He spent time with Syracuse, Single-A Potomac and low Single-A Hagerstown. Mattheus went to visit a foot specialist in Baltimore today, who diagnosed the strain. The righty said last night that he hoped to get a positive report and return to action tonight, but he won't return until June 5 at the earliest. The 28-year-old is 2-1 with six holds and a 2.25 ERA in 19 relief appearances this season.