Chien-Ming Wang (hamstring) plans to play catch Thursday. Wang strained his left hamstring during his start last Thursday against the Yankees. He's making progress, but Nationals' manager Davey Johnson initially said he would likely be shut down for around two weeks. John Lannan would likely open the season in the rotation if he can't get ready in time.

Chien-Ming Wang was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. Wang left Thursday's start against the Yankees after stumbling awkwardly while trying to make a play at first base. It's not known how long he'll be sidelined, but John Lannan could replace him in the rotation if the injury delays his preparation for Opening Day.

Chien-Ming Wang left Thursday's start against the Yankees after stumbling awkwardly while trying to make a play at first base. His knee appeared to get the worst of it, but he also landed on his surgically-repaired shoulder. Wang struck out three over 2 2/3 scoreless innings before exiting. He was smiling in the dugout after being helped off the field, so hopefully he just gave the Nationals a good scare. John Lannan, who has been subject to trade rumors, would fill if he requires an extended absence. Stay tuned for an update.

Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder) topped out at 91 mph Monday while throwing two innings against a group of Nationals' minor leaguers. Wang was slowed early in camp after dealing with some shoulder soreness, but Nationals' manager Davey Johnson was impressed with what he saw Monday. "He's back," said Johnson, who watched Wang's start along with Nats' pitching coach Steve McCatty, general manager Mike Rizzo and principal owner Mark Lerner. "I liked what I saw. He's obviously stronger than last year - even in his warm-ups. He looks like the old Chien-Ming." Wang is tentatively scheduled to make his first Grapefruit League start on Saturday. The 31-year-old right-hander is competing with John Lannan for the final spot in Washington's starting rotation.

Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder) threw batting practice Monday for the first time this spring. Wang experienced a bit of shoulder soreness in camp, but Nationals' manager Davey Johnson was encouraged with what he saw Monday. "His delivery is free and easy," said Johnson. "As he went along, he got stronger. His velocity was better. He's a veteran pitcher. He knows what he has to do to peak at the right time." Wang posted a 4.04 ERA and 25/13 K/BB across 62 1/3 innings over 11 starts last season and is projected to open 2012 in the Nationals' starting rotation.

Chien-Ming Wang came down with a bit of shoulder soreness after his first few workouts in Nationals camp. Any type of discomfort is concerning when it comes to the injury-prone right-hander, but he was able to throw an aggressive side session on Monday morning and reported feeling fine. Wang is not expected to have an innings limit this season in Washington despite making only 11 starts last year.

Chien-Ming Wang will not have an innings limit next season. Wang has been plagued by shoulder woes the last few years, but he made it up to the major league club at midseason last year and the Nationals think he's all the way back health-wise. Given his long layoff, the 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP Wang produced in 11 starts was pretty good, and as long as he can stay healthy, the sinkerballer should have a good amount of success.

Nationals signed RHP Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year, $4 million contract. The deal also carries some performance-based incentives. Wang, 31, registered a rock-solid 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 starts this season after returning from a drawn-out shoulder injury. If he can stay healthy throughout 2012, he should be a reliable mid-rotation starter for the up-and-coming Nationals.

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Nationals and Chien-Ming Wang have agreed to a one-year deal. The details of the contract still need to be finalized, but that should be done by Thursday. Wang, 31, posted a cool 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 starts this season while registering a 53.4 groundball percentage. If he can keep his sinker working and maintain his health in 2012, he should be a fine No. 3 starter for the Nationals.

Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Nationals are "close to an agreement" with Chien-Ming Wang. Just a few hours ago it was reported that Wang would test the free agent market because interest in him was so high. That talk may have led the Nats to up their offer. Wang, 31, registered a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 11 starts this season and should remain a solid mid-rotation starter in 2012. No word yet on the financials.