Nationals closer Papelbon returns from disabled list

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals have reinstated right-hander Jonathan Papelbon and optioned outfielder Michael A. Taylor to Triple-A Syracuse.

Mike Rizzo, Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager, made the announcement Monday.

The Washington closer returns after missing 19 games with a right rib muscle strain. Before his return, Papelbon appeared in three rehab games with Single-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg.

Papelbon, 35, is 1-2 with a 3.28 ERA and 16 saves in 25 appearances. He's 10th on the all-time saves list with 365.

Taylor, 25, was hitting .225 (43 for 191) in 60 games this season, with six home runs, 12 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. In 138 games with Washington in 2015, Taylor hit .229 with 14 homers, 63 RBIs, 49 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases.