Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen to share Nationals' closer role

Righthander Drew Storen has reclaimed his closer role -- sort of -- for the Washington Nationals as manager Davey Johnson announced on Thursday that Storen will share the job with fellow righty Tyler Clippard.

Storen, who saved 43 games in 2011, missed the first 3 1/2 months of the season following elbow surgery. Since assuming closer duties on May 22, Clippard has converted 32 of 35 save opportunities.

But Storen's return to form coupled with Clippard's recent struggles -- he's allowed six runs and 11 hits over his last 6 2/3 innings -- made it a relatively easy decision for Johnson.

"The fact is, I told [pitching coach Steve McCatty] that I have confidence in both of them closing," Johnson said. "And depending on the rest situation, or depending on what I think is the matchup, either one of them could be going eighth, the other one going ninth."