Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday that the club isn't on the verge of a new contract with right-hander Chien Ming-Wang. The Nats are still interested in re-signing Wang, but if Rizzo can believed, the two sides aren't nearly as close to an agreement as reported earlier this month. "I wouldn't describe it as imminent or close," said Rizzo. "But we're still communicating and we still have a mutual interest for Chien-Ming to sign with the Nationals." Wang finally made his way back from shoulder surgery this season, posting a 4.04 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 53.4 ground ball percentage over 11 starts. Barring something unexpected, we expect to see him back in the Nats' rotation next season.

The Nationals and Chien-Ming Wang are actively discussing a contract extension. Although the two sides aren't close to a deal, both Wang and Nationals GM Mike Rizzo have publicly stated their desire for the right-hander to stay put. Wang said in September that money will not be an issue in resigning with the Nationals and he wants to be loyal to the organization that employed him for two years while he struggled with shoulder issues. Wang had a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 11 starts this season after returning in late July. He could be a solid member of the Nats rotation next season if he remains healthy.

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo confirmed that he would like to bring Chien-Ming Wang back next season. Rizzo didn't say whether extension talks were in the works, but that's the word. Wang holds a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 11 starts this season after returning in late July following a two-year absence due to shoulder issues. He could be a solid member of the Nats rotation if he remains healthy.

Chien-Ming Wang hurled six innings of one-run ball in a 4-1 win over the Braves on Saturday afternoon. Wang held the Braves to just four hits while stiking out four and walking none. The only run scored on a solo blast by Freddie Freeman in the top of the fifth inning. Wang also notched his first major league hit with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning. After missing the entire 2010 season following shoulder surgery, the 31-year-old right-hander will finish the year with a 4.04 ERA and 25/13 K/BB ratio in 62 1/3 innings over 11 starts. It would be surprising if he isn't back with the Nationals season.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports the Nationals and Chien-Ming Wang are in the "preliminary stages" of negotiations for a new contract. The Nationals have gotten just 56 1/3 innings from Wang over the past two seasons as he's worked his way back from shoulder problems, but must believe he's finally all the way back. All 56 1/3 of those innings have come in 2011, where Wang has posted a 4.31, ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 53.4 groundball percentage. Barring something unforeseen happening, he should be a part of the Nationals' 2012 rotation.

Chien-Ming Wang headed back to D.C. on Thursday after coming down with a mild case of the flu. The Nationals fully expect Wang to make his scheduled Saturday start against the Braves. He's posted a 4.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 56 1/3 innings this season.

Chien-Ming Wang posted a quality start Sunday, keeping the Marlins to three runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-3 win. He struck out a season-high five and didn't walk anyone, and if not for a two-out, two-run homer from the light-hitting Brett Hayes in the seventh inning, Wang's start really would've been impressive. Wang has been solid, albeit unspectacular since joining the Nats rotation in July, posting a 4.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. He get the Braves next.

Impending free agent Chien-Ming Wang expressed interest in re-joining the Nationals in 2012. "They have taken care of me a lot the past two years. So I want to come back," said Wang. "I want to help them get more wins. I just want to get back, no matter the salary." He should have a few suitors in free agency if he doesn't re-sign with the Nats first.

Chien-Ming Wang has already earned an additional $250,000 for remaining on Nationals' roster for 30 days. Wang signed a contract last December that paid him a minimum of $1 million, but he had the opportunity to earn more through incentives. He will earn another $500,000 if he stays on the roster for the rest of the month and will get an extra $100,000 for every start he makes once he hits his 10th start (he's made eight so far). The righty was also paid an unspecified roster bonus for simply joining the roster in July. Wang has pitched decently thus far for the Nats and, more importantly, has been healthy. He should have a few suitors over the offseason when he hits free agency.

Chien-Ming Wang yielded four runs and seven hits in six innings Thursday against the Dodgers. Wang, who entered with a 9/13 K/BB ratio in 38 2/3 innings, struck out three and walked none today. His ERA jumped to 4.43, but it wasn't a bad outing.