Soriano on paternity leave for series opener

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals were without closer Rafael Soriano on Monday night as his wife just had a baby boy.

Manager Davey Johnson said Soriano is likely out for just one game. Former closer Drew Storen would take the job, if needed.

"[Soriano] will be back tomorrow," Johnson said.

It would be interesting for Storen to close versus the Cardinals after what happened when the right-hander last pitched versus St. Louis in Washington -- in Game 5 of the 2012 National League Division Series.

The Nationals blew a 7-5 lead in the top of the ninth as Storen gave up four runs to allow the Cardinals to take a dramatic 9-7 victory in the series finale.

But Johnson said it would be good for Storen to face the Cardinals once more in the ninth after what happened last fall.