Nationals Recall OF Michael A. Taylor, RHP Ryan Mattheus

The Washington Nationals today recalled outfielder Michael A. Taylor and right-handed reliever Ryan Mattheus from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Taylor, 23, returns to the Nationals for the second time this season after hitting .304 with a .390 on-base percentage and a .526 slugging percentage in 110 Minor League games between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse. After hitting 22 home runs, driving in 61, smacking 17 doubles and two triples, and collecting 34 stolen bases in 98 games, Taylor was named the Double-A Eastern League MVP.

In his first MLB stint, Taylor hit .167 (3-for-18) with one home run (Aug. 12 at Citi Field) and two RBI.

Mattheus, 30, worked to a 1-3 record with a 5.91 ERA in 36 Minor League games (42.2 IP) this season. In four Major League games this year, Mattheus did not allow a run in 5.2 innings of work.

In 142 career Major League games (139.1 IP), Mattheus is 7-7 with 32 holds and a 3.62 ERA.

The additions of Taylor and Mattheus give the Nationals 34 players on their active roster.