Nationals designated OF Rick Ankiel for assignment. Ankiel was batting just .228 with a .282 on-base percentage in 171 plate appearances this season for the Nationals. Jayson Werth (wrist) is nearing a return, so Washington should be fine on outfield depth. Ankiel, 33, could draw some interest on waivers for his defense.

Rick Ankiel went 3-for-3 with a solo home run in the Nationals 2-0 win over the Marlins on Friday. Ankiel was the star of the show recording all but one of his team's hits. He also scored every run for either side in the game. The solo blast off of Carlos Zambrano in the third inning was Ankiel's first of the season. He's firmly entrenched as the Nationals center fielder for the time being, and is worth a look as a potential power source in deeper mixed leagues.

Rick Ankiel will make his regular-season debut in Saturday's game against the Reds. Ankiel batted .400 (8-for-20) with three homers and seven RBI over eight games during his rehab assignment and projects to be the Nationals' regular center fielder. Jayson Werth is starting in right field and batting sixth.

Nationals activated OF Rick Ankiel from the 15-day disabled list. As expected. Ankiel batted .400 (8-for-20) with three homers and seven RBI over eight games during his rehab assignment and should step right in as the starting center fielder. He's only worth considering in NL-only formats, though.

Rick Ankiel (quad) will be activated from the disabled list Saturday. In fact, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said he'll start in center field for Saturday's game against the Reds. Ankiel showed no signs of his quad injury during his rehab assignment, batting .400 (8-for-20) with three homers and seven RBI over eight games between Class A Hagerstown, Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse.

Rick Ankiel (quad) is expected to come off the disabled list this weekend. Ankiel made his final rehab appearance on Thursday, and could be activated as early as Friday. He'll likely be in Saturday's starting lineup against Reds righty Homer Bailey.

Rick Ankiel (quad) will play one final minor league rehab game Thursday for Triple-A Syracuse. And if it goes well, he will join the Nationals' starting lineup on Saturday. Ankiel, who batted just .239/.296/.393 with nine home runs in 2011, is expected to start in center field this season in the nation's capital.

Rick Ankiel (quad) went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three RBI Monday in a minor league rehab game with High-A Hagerstown. Ankiel, who had his rehab shifted from Double-A Harrisburg, also scored two runs and walked twice. The 32-year-old has played well during his rehab stint and is expected to come off the disabled list Saturday.

Rick Ankiel (quad) will shift his rehab assignment to Single-A Hagerstown on Monday night. Ankiel spent the weekend playing rehab games for Double-A Harrisburg, but that team is now headed out on a road trip. The 32-year-old center fielder should be cleared to join the Nationals' lineup on Saturday.

Rick Ankiel (quad) went 1-for-3 on Friday in his rehab game for Double-A Harrisburg, including a towering home run to deep left-center. Ankiel was also able to play in center field tonight and looks to be close to returning to the big club. Expect him to be back in Washington for the home opener on Thursday.