Rafael Soriano moved to 2-for-2 in save opportunities in Wednesday night's win over the Marlins. It wasn't without some trepidation, as the tying run came to the plate following a single and a walk. But the 33-year-old reliever got the last two batters to secure the win. The Nationals have plenty of other options available to close games should Soriano falter, but the job isn't going to anyone else any time soon.

Rafael Soriano tossed a scoreless ninth inning Monday against the Marlins to earn his first save of 2013. Soriano set 'em down in order, picking up two strikeouts. He posted an exceptional 2.26 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69/24 K/BB ratio across 67 2/3 innings last season for the Yankees and should be an elite fantasy closer this summer on a very good Nationals team.

Rafael Soriano (root canal) will pitch in a minor league game Saturday. Soriano had a root canal Thursday afternoon, but was originally expected to return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday. However, he's not back to 100 percent quite yet, so the Nationals are going to ease him back into things against lesser competition.

Rafael Soriano had a root canal Thursday afternoon in Florida. Nationals manager Davey Johnson believes that he will be ready to pitch Friday, as scheduled. It will not have an impact on his availability for Opening Day.

Rafael Soriano may need surgery for an infected wisdom tooth. Soriano traveled to his native Dominican Republic on Tuesday, but it was unrelated to his tooth. Surgery wouldn't affect his availability for the season, but the Nationals would like him to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

Rafael Soriano was tagged for four runs in two-thirds of an inning by the Tigers on Monday. Of course, agent Scott Boras pitched Soriano to the Tigers several times before Soriano eventually ended up with the Nationals. Soriano's velocity isn't quite there yet after he was a late arrival to Nationals camp. Maybe it will come soon.

Rafael Soriano threw live batting practice for the first time Wednesday. Soriano was a late arrival to camp due to problems obtaining his visa. He could be cleared for games this week depending on how he responds Thursday. The Nationals are expected to limit Soriano to eight appearances in spring training.

Rafael Soriano reported to Nationals' camp Saturday. Soriano obtained his work visa and wound up missing just a few days. The 33-year-old right-hander signed a two-year, $28 million contract this offseason and will open 2013 as the Nationals' closer.

Rafael Soriano has obtained his work visa and will report to Nationals' camp Friday. He wound up missing just a few days, so no harm done. Soriano inked a two-year, $28 million free agent contract with the Nationals this offseason and will serve as the team's ninth-inning man in 2013.

Rafael Soriano has not yet reported to Nationals camp in Viera, Florida because of a visa issue. That's the word from Soriano's agent, Scott Boras, via FOX Sports' Jon Morosi. Soriano should be able to get the problem resolved within the next couple of days. The 33-year-old right-hander inked a two-year, $28 million free agent contract with the Nationals this offseason and will serve as the team's closer in 2013.