UPDATE - The Nationals have confirmed the move, and added that they’ve placed catcher Jhonatan Solano on the 15-day disabled list and recalled backstop Sandy Leon from Triple-A to take his place on the roster.

Nationals reinstate RHP Drew Storen, recall C Sandy Leon, place C Jhonatan Solano on DL & designate OF Rick Ankiel for assignment.

— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) July 19, 2012

10:06 AM EDT - The Washington Nationals have designated outfielder Rick Ankiel for assignment to make room for right-hander Drew Storen activation from the disabled list, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

Source: #Nationals designate OF Rick Ankiel for assignment to clear roster spot for RHP Drew Storen.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2012

Storen has been sidelined for the start of the season after having a bone chip removed from his throwing elbow. It had been speculated that the 24-year-old would be ready to rejoin the Nationals as soon as today.

Prior to his activation, Storen appeared in six games with the Nationals’ High- and Double-A teams. Over his 6 2/3 innings pitched, he allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts.

Storen was one of the game’s best closers last season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 2.75 and 1.022 with 8.8 SO/9 and 2.4 BB/9 over his 73 appearances while collecting 43 saves.

Ankiel has appeared in 68 games for the Nationals this season, hitting at a clip of .228/.282/.411 with 10 doubles, two triples, and five home runs over his 158 at-bats.

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Which team should pick up Ankiel?

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