Wang goes eight-plus innings in rehab start at Syracuse

It's looking like Chien-Ming Wang is just about ready to return to the big leagues. Wang threw eight-plus innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse this afternoon, allowing four runs on 11 hits with a walk, a strikeout and a hit batter. The Chiefs beat Rochester 6-4 in a game that was aired on MLB Network. Wang had his heavy sinker working today, as he got 14 groundball outs and benefited from three inning-ending double plays. A number of the 11 hits he allowed were on ground balls or bloopers just over the infield. The veteran right-hander needed just 77 pitches to get through seven innings, and was eventually pulled after allowing back-to-back hits to begin the ninth, both of which came around to score off reliever Cory VanAllen. Wang sat around 86-88 mph with his fastball and was still touching 88 in his final inning of work. The Nationals will now need to decide what's next for Wang. Their starting rotation continues to excel, and fifth starter Ross Detwiler - who takes the mound for the Nats tonight - has started strong this season, going 3-2 with a 2.10 ERA. Wang could be kept in the minors to make another rehab start, allowing the Nats to delay what will be a tough decision on how to fit him into their already strong staff.