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Nationals option Blake Treinen to Triple-A, recall LHP Xavier Cedeno + tonight's lineup

After his latest start against the San Francisco Giants yesterday in AT&T Park, the Washington Nationals optioned right-hander Blake Treinen to Triple-A Syracuse. Xavier Cedeno was called up to pitch out of the pen, presumably until Gio Gonzalez returns.

Justin K. Aller

Washington Nationals' skipper Matt Williams praised the work Blake Treinen has done when called upon by the major league team so far this season after Treinen's start against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon.

"He's been doing anything we've asked him to do," Williams said, "whether it's one inning out of the bullpen, multiple innings out of the bullpen, starting.

"I still feel like he's a young starter. Changeup is developing. Breaking ball is developing. He's got a good sinker. So for him to get deeper and deeper into games is important, but I think he's done well."

"I still feel like he's a young starter. Changeup is developing. Breaking ball is developing. He's got a good sinker." -Matt Williams on Blake Treinen

After the outing in the series finale in AT&T, in which he took the loss, the 25-year-old right-hander is now (0-3) in eight games, four starts and 30 1/3 IP so far this season in which he's put up a 2.08 ERA and a 3.05 FIP with 10 walks (2.97 BB/9) and 17 Ks (5.04 K/9).

This afternoon, Treinen was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse with the Nationals calling left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno up to pitch out of the bullpen, presumably until Gio Gonzalez is able to return from the DL after Gonzalez made his second rehab start for the Nats' High-A affiliate yesterday.

Cedeno, 27, has been up already this season, pitching 1 1/3 innings with the Nationals.

In 13 games and 14 2/3 IP for the Nationals' top minor league affiliate this season, the lefty is (2-0) with a save, a 1.23 ERA, a 1.22 FIP, three walks (1.84 BB/9) and 20 Ks (12.27 K/9).

Cedeno was in the visitor's clubhouse when reporters arrived at Busch Stadium tonight for the first game of three with the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend.

• Here's the Nationals' lineup for the series opener in St. Louis: