Nationals optioned RHP Cole Kimball to Triple-A Syracuse; reassigned RHP Jeremy Accardo to minor league camp.

Kimball has dealt with more shoulder issues in camp and wasn't a candidate for the Opening Day roster, anyway. Both he and Accardo are potential options down the line, however.

Cole Kimball (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday.

Kimball has been out of action for a week due to stiffness in the back of his shoulder. Though it's not considered serious, he has a history of shoulder issues and missed most of the last two seasons because of rotator cuff surgery. He'll begin the year at Triple-A.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson confirmed Cole Kimball isn't a candidate for the Opening Day roster.

Kimball is fully recovered from his July 2011 rotator cuff surgery and has looked good in spring training, but the Nationals don't consider him "anywhere near the mix" for a bullpen spot. The 27-year-old is expected to open 2013 at Triple-A Syracuse and could make an impact at some point this season.

Cole Kimball said Tuesday that he is fully recovered from his July 2011 rotator cuff surgery.

"I'm 100 percent," the 27-year-old right-hander told reporters. "It's like I never had surgery. It's like nothing ever happened." Kimball could see action out of the Washington bullpen at some point this season.

Cole Kimball was announced Saturday as the winner of the Arizona Fall League's Stenson Award winner, recognizing unselfishness, hard work and leadership.

The Nationals 27-year-old right-hander is still working his way back from shoulder surgery that he underwent in July of 2011. He posted a 4.80 ERA over 15 innings of work, but is feeling healthier every day. He'll compete for a role in the Nats bullpen during spring training.

Nationals activated RHP Cole Kimball from the 60-day disabled list.

Kimball missed the entire season due to major shoulder surgery but is now healthy and was recently cleared to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. Assuming he avoids setbacks, he'll compete for a middle relief role with the Nationals in spring training.

Cole Kimball (shoulder) has joined Washington's GCL club to begin a rehab assignment.

Kimball underwent major shoulder surgery last July and appears to be slightly ahead of schedule in his recovery. He posted an 1.93 ERA and 11/11 K/BB ratio over 14 innings with the Nationals last season. The 26-year-old right-hander will likely be stationed at Triple-A Syracuse once he returns to full health, though he could potentially reach Washington when rosters expand in September if everything breaks right.

Cole Kimball (shoulder) is aiming to begin throwing off a mound in early April.

Kimball underwent significant shoulder surgery last July and probably won't be ready to pitch in a live minor league game for another three months. The 26-year-old could struggle to climb to the big leagues this year.

Cole Kimball (shoulder) has progressed his rehab and is now throwing from 100 feet.

Kimball, 25, underwent shoulder surgery in July and is not likely to return until around the All-Star break. He's been working out at Washington's facility since January 10. "It feels normal," Kimball said. "Everything is identical, and that's what's encouraging. A lot of guys change their delivery and change their arm action. It's the same thing, so I'm excited." He posted an 1.93 ERA and 11/11 K/BB ratio over 14 innings with the Nationals this season.

Nationals claimed RHP Cole Kimball off waivers from the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays just claimed Kimball two days ago, but they decided he wasn't worth taking up a spot on the 40-man roster as he recovered from shoulder surgery. The righty isn't expected back until around midseason next year.