Tyler Clippard

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Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard delivers in the top of the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during the Nationals' home opener. (Rod Lamkey Jr/The Washington Times)

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Tyler Clippard was converted to a reliever in 2009. Two seasons later he was named to the National League All-Star team. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

National League's Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals pitches during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. Clippard earned the win in relief as the National League beat the American League 5-1. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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This is a 2011 photo of Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals baseball team. This image reflects the Washington Nationals active roster as of Feb. 25, 2011 when this image was taken.†(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Nationals set-up man Tyler Clippard's unique arm angle allows him to blow fastballs past hitters with regularity. His 63 strikeouts are second among all relievers. (Associated Press)

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associated press Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard was named Sunday to his first all-star team. Clippard has a 1.96 ERA in 37 appearances.

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associated press Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard walks back to the dugout after getting Chicago's Paul Konerko to fly out Sunday to end the seventh inning .

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ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington Nationals' reliever Tyler Clippard.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS Tyler Clippard, shown during Sunday's victory over San Francisco, leads all Nationals relievers with 15 appearances. Washington's bullpen has been well-rested with starters working deep into games.