Washington Nationals

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Washington Nationals reliever Sean Burnett isn't expected to test his sore left elbow with throwing off a mound until the weekend. (Associated Press)

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Washington Nationals' Edwin Jackson delivers a pitch in the third inning of the Nationals' 11-5 win against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park in Washington on Sept. 4, 2012. (Associated Press)

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Washington Nationals' Ian Desmond, right, receives congratulations from his third base coach Bo Porter after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of their baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)

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Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa makes the tag on Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward, right, who was out at second on the steal attempt, during the sixth inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, in Washington. The Nationals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Ross Detwiler delivers during their baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Washington. The Nationals won 2-1. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)

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Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard, center, high-fives Gio Gonzalez (47) as Adam LaRoche (25), Roger Bernadina (2) and Stephen Strasburg (37) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs 2-1 during a baseball game at Nationals Park, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)

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**FILE ** Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the second inning of a baseball game with the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, in Washington. The Nats beat St. Louis 4-3. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez cheers with shaving cream on his face after pitching a complete game shutout in a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Washington. The Nationals won 10-0. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez has a cooler on his head as Michael Morse sprays shaving cream as they celebrate Gonzalez pitching a complete baseball game for a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Washington. The Nationals won 10-0. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)