Carpenter returns from paternity list

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals reinstated right-hander David Carpenter from the paternity list Thursday, and optioned right-hander Taylor Hill to Triple-A Syracuse.

Carpenter missed the past two games because his wife, Brittny, gave birth to their first child, Darrell David Carpenter IV, who was born Monday.

Carpenter has been a pleasant surprise since joining the Nats in the middle of June, allowing one run in six innings with four strikeouts.

As for Hill, he returns to Syracuse after a one-day stay with the Nationals. In six games with the Major League team this season, Hill had a 3.75 ERA. In four of his six appearances out of the Nats' bullpen, Hill has worked multiple innings.